Starz has cast Omari Hardwick, who played Chopshop Jay in the 2010 big-screen version of "The A-Team," to star in its upcoming drama series "Power," the network said Wednesday.
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The series, which is executive produced by rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and creator Courtney Kemp Agboh, is expected to premiere in 2014.
Hardwick will play James "Ghost" St. Patrick, a wealthy New York City nightclub owner who caters to the city's elite. He wants to build an empire, turn the club into a Fortune 500 business, but there's just one problem: He is living a double life.
When he is not in the club, he is the kingpin of the most lucrative drug network in New York for a very high-level clientele. His marriage, family and business all become unknowingly threatened as he is tempted to leave his criminal life behind and become the rags-to-riches businessman he wants to be most of all.
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"Omari is an actor of incredible range and versatility," Starz managing director Carmi Zlotnik said of the actor, who also counts "Kick-Ass" among his credits. "When we met Omari, we knew he had all the tools needed to play such a complicated and complex character. We look forward to him bringing Ghost to life on the screen."
Filming on the eight-episode first season begins this fall. Mark Canton ("300"), Randall Emmett ("End of Watch") and Dave Knoller ("Big Love") are also executive producing in association with CBS Television Studios.