Omari Hardwick, best known for his role as James St. Patrick, who goes by the moniker ‘Ghost’ on the popular Starz series Power, recently chatted with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson on The All The Smoke Podcast.

Ghost’s cultural impact, character legacy, and whether fans will see him portray Ghost again were discussed during the conversation. Hardwick stated a deep connection to the character when asked by Matt Barnes if Ghost could come back in any capacity, “Yeah, Maddie, and we’ve talked about it.” He praised Power creators Courtney Kemp and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson for crafting a narrative that had a strong impact on Black and Latino communities, by comparing Ghost’s cultural influence to iconic characters from classic mob movies.

“We, as a culture, didn’t have a character like that,” Hardwick said. “Outside of Sicilian depictions by Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro in mob movies, there weren’t roles that offered a Shakespearean glimpse into the complexity of our uncles, grandfathers, and community leaders. Ghost provided that.”

Hardwick pointed out how the character went beyond traditional boundaries, affecting everyone from policymakers in the White House to individuals in inner-city neighborhoods. Ghost’s versatility made him a bridge that ignited conversations about morality, ambition, and survival.

A Role of Community Outreach

Acting is viewed by Hardwick as a form of servitude, not just entertainment. “Every role I play is an act of community outreach,” he said. “I use my characters to engage with the world.”

Ghost, in particular, was a tool for starting a meaningful conversation.

“If I’m talking to the president in the White House or to every Pooky in the hood, Ghost was built to resonate across all sides of the street,” Hardwick explained.

He expressed his appreciation for Ghost’s multidimensional nature, which balances ruthless ambition with vulnerability, allowing audiences to identify with his flaws, drive, or love for his family.

Permission to Reimagine

Hardwick didn’t confirm Ghost’s return to the Power universe, but he left the possibility of Ghost’s essence appearing in a new form open.

“I don’t know how I can say goodbye to him,” Hardwick admitted. “I’m providing myself the permission to revisit that energy, whether or not it’s directly tied to Starz or Power.”

He suggested the possibility of portraying a similar character in a different setting, blending Ghost’s qualities with his own creative development as an actor.

“You’ll see something, and you’ll think, ‘That’s the energy I missed.’ But now, it’s Omari playing a character with shades of Ghost.”

The Legacy of Ghost

Ghost’s influence on Hardwick’s career and the cultural landscape is highlighted in his reflections.

“Ghost was more than a character; he was an incredible piece of community outreach,” he said. “His legacy will always hold a special place in my career, even as I continue to explore new roles and stories.”

Despite seeing Ghost again or a reimagined version of him, Hardwick’s commitment to bringing meaningful characters to life remains unwavering.

Hardwick’s words affirm the enduring power of storytelling and the lasting impression of iconic roles such as Ghost, making fans excited for what he’ll bring to the screen next.