Power’s Courtney Kemp Almost Bodied Omari Hardwick Earlier Than Season Six, Says 50 Cent
Starz
Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson, the acclaimed rapper, actor, and executive producer behind Power, has recently revealed to Cam’ron on Talk With Flee the behind-the-scenes drama that arose from the death of Omari Hardwick’s iconic character, Ghost. In a candid conversation, Jackson discussed a tense moment between show creator Courtney Kemp and Hardwick, revealing how personal clashes and creative differences almost resulted in a very different storyline.
The Origin of “Ghost Must Die”
Courtney Kemp, the mastermind behind Power, had a long-held vision for a climactic ending for Ghost, as evidenced by her notes titled ‘Ghost Must Die,’ according to 50 Cent.
Kemp broke standard protocol by giving Hardwick, a direct note during filming, which led to the moment.
The actor had a negative reaction to the interaction, according to reports. Kemp was dissatisfied with his response, prompting her to intensify her determination to kill Ghost.
“She just hated him,” 50 Cent said bluntly. “She wanted to get rid of him.”
Jackson, who played Kanan in the series and had already come to a fiery end, intervened. Recognizing the significance of Ghost in the show’s narrative and popularity, he resisted.
“I was like, no, leave him,” 50 Cent recounted, revealing his efforts to change the direction of the story.
50 Cent Offers Himself as a Solution
50 Cent suggested ‘Knock me off’ as tensions grew and Kemp sought a ‘big moment’ to shake up the storyline.
By volunteering to kill his own character, Kanan, Jackson saw an opportunity to both diffuse the situation and free himself to focus on his other ventures.
“I got other [expletive] to do,” he explained, highlighting his ability to juggle multiple projects as an actor, producer, and entrepreneur. “I can go do 50 Cent things that [Omari Hardwick] can’t.”
50 Cent’s decision was not emotional. He compared his pragmatic approach to the strong attachment many actors have to their roles and sets.
“The actors, they get all emotional…not because they don’t know they’re going to work again, but because they’re not sure they’re going to like the environment as much as they liked being on Power,” he said.
The Emotional Toll of Saying Goodbye
Jackson’s viewpoint provided an insight into the emotional dynamics that occur when characters are omitted from a show. While approaching the process with a level head, he noted that for many actors, the experience is deeply personal.
“They get all emotional when they find out their character is going to die,” he said, empathizing with the uncertainty many faces in finding another fulfilling project. Despite the emotional turmoil, Jackson kept his focus on the bigger picture.
“Hey man, look, talented man—you couldn’t make it,” he quipped, stressing the transient nature of the entertainment industry.
A Legacy Worth Fighting For
The character’s legacy as one of television’s most compelling anti-heroes was made stronger by 50 Cent’s decision to step aside and let Ghost’s storyline unfold. His vision as both a producer and storyteller is demonstrated by his influence and willingness to make sacrifices for the success of the show. Power fans will find a new layer of intrigue in the series’ storied history, with the revelation revealing how real-life drama often echoes the high-stakes conflicts on screen.
