‘Power Book II: Ghost’: Larenz Tate Was Originally Supposed to Play Another ‘Power’ Character

Larenz Tate has a pivotal role in Power Book II: Ghost Season 2 as Rashad Tate. The series follows Tariq St. Patrick (Michael Rainey Jr.), who is trying to juggle his life as a college student with his work on the streets as a drug dealer. As he tries to keep his lives separate, he finds himself in the crosshairs of Rashad who has his own desires and motivation.

Tate has been a major staple in the Power Universe, but he was originally supposed to play another character.

Larenz Tate has a major role in ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ Season 2

Though his bid for governor didn’t exactly pan out as he expected, Rashad isn’t going away so soon. In the second season of Power Book II: Ghost, the crooked politician has a major role. In fact, he’s been upped to series regular.

“Tate will reprise his role as Rashad Tate, a down-but-never-defeated Councilman,” a Starz press release reads via Shadow and Act. “With the loss of the New York gubernatorial race still fresh, he refuses to feel sorry for himself. Some guidance from his brother pushes Tate to stop waiting for something to happen and use his influence to take action – leading him to unexpected places. After sampling a taste of power, Tate won’t be satisfied until he has the full meal, but he’ll have to decide what he’s willing to sacrifice for his seat at the table.”

Now that Rashad will be teaching at Tariq’s school, the college student/ drug dealer may need the councilman’s help. Unfortunately, it looks like Rashad’s plotting and scheming will also affect his older brother, Kamaal (Lahmard Tate).

“Kamaal is once again doling out brotherly advice following Rashad’s gubernatorial loss and, for once, it seems to take as Kamaal watches his little brother take on a new role serving the people,” the Starz press release for season 2 reads. “Until Kamaal’s brought in on the investigation at Stansfield and he finds himself with a front-row seat for another one of Rashad’s escapades — but this time, Kamaal’s own career may be on the line.”

Larenz Tate was supposed to play another ‘Power’ Universe character

Though Power fans will always associate Tate with Rashad, the Love Jones actor was originally supposed to have another role on the original series.

“I was supposed to play the character, Terry Silver, who was the lawyer of Ghost, who falls in love with Tasha,” Tate told Express. Fans will recall Ghost’s lawyer Terry Silver (Brandon Victor Dixon) who first appeared in season 4. However, his infatuation with Tasha eventually got him killed at the hands of Ghost.

Tate had to turn down the role of Terry because of a scheduling conflict. “I was away working, I couldn’t do it, it didn’t happen,” he explained. Thankfully it all worked out.

When will ‘Power Book V: Influence’ premiere?

Now, Tate is gearing up for his own spinoff, Power Book V: Influence. We know so far that the series will focus on Rashad’s second run for governor. However, Starz has not announced a release date for the series. “Who knows if you’re gonna see him pop up somewhere,” Tate told The Jasmine Brand. “The moment I know what’s happening, y’all will know what’s happening.”

Since Rashad will have such a major role in the current season of Ghost, we’re going to assume it will serve as the blueprint for his own series.