The Power Book III: Raising Kanan universe is expanding with a major Hollywood veteran for its fifth and final season. Emmy-winning actor Joe Pantoliano, known for his iconic roles in The Sopranos and The Matrix, has signed on to bring his signature style to the hit Starz series. He will appear as a recurring guest star when the show returns for its last batch of episodes.
The news arrives as fans are still processing the shocking Season 4 finale, which saw young Kanan Stark (Mekai Curtis) pointing a gun at his own mother, Raq Thomas (Patina Miller) . With the end now in sight, the series is loading up on talent to deliver a memorable conclusion to the story of how a teenager from Queens became one of the most feared men in the Power universe.
Joe Pantoliano’s Role Revealed: A Manhattan Mafia Head
Pantoliano will step into the role of Pino Bernardi, described as the head of the Manhattan Mafia. According to reports from Variety and other outlets, the character commands respect without demanding it. Pino is characterized as “supremely self-assured and the epitome of the old adage, ‘speak softly and carry a big stick.’” The description adds that he is the kind of boss who does not need to announce his status—his presence alone makes it known .
This casting brings a full-circle moment for fans of gangster dramas. Pantoliano is beloved for his Emmy-winning performance as Ralph Cifaretto on The Sopranos, making his entry into the Power universe a natural fit. His character, Pino Bernardi, is set to bring a new layer of conflict to the streets of Queens, as the Manhattan Mafia’s influence clashes with the Thomas family’s operations.
A Busy Year for a Veteran Actor
The 75-year-old actor, nicknamed “Joey Pants,” is having a major moment in 2026. His addition to Raising Kanan comes during a career resurgence that has him appearing in multiple high-profile projects.
Earlier this year, Pantoliano premiered in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the Disney+ series Wonder Man, starring opposite Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. He also appeared in the Dexter prequel series, Dexter: Original Sin, and earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the hit video game adaptation The Last of Us. His recent film credits include the 2024 blockbuster Bad Boys: Ride or Die .
Later this year, he is scheduled to appear in the holiday action sequel Violent Night 2, proving that his workload remains as intense as ever .
What to Expect in Season 5
Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 5 was confirmed as the final chapter back in May 2025, shortly after the Season 4 finale aired. Showrunner Sascha Penn stated that this was always the plan, revealing that the story he set out to tell in 2019 has reached its natural endpoint. He promised that the fifth season will be “exceptionally intense and action-packed” .
The season will have to address the massive cliffhanger from the end of Season 4. The finale saw Kanan pull the trigger on Raq, believing she was responsible for the deaths of those closest to him. The fate of Patina Miller’s character, Raq, remains one of the biggest questions heading into the new episodes .
Additionally, the show recently added Leslie Grossman (American Horror Story) to the cast. She will play Florence “Flossie” Siegel, a Manhattan madam with a tough edge and connections to Jewish mobster heritage .
Also Read:
New Faces and Familiar Lore
Season 5 will also feature the continued presence of Shameik Moore (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), who was introduced in the Season 4 finale as the legendary character Breeze. Breeze is a key figure in Power lore, known as the man who originally ran with a young Kanan, Ghost, and Tommy. The original Power series revealed that Ghost eventually killed Breeze years before the main timeline, making his presence in the prequel a significant moment for long-time fans .
Where to Watch and What’s Next
All four previous seasons of Power Book III: Raising Kanan are available to stream on the Starz app and across Starz streaming and on-demand platforms. Season 5 is expected to premiere on Starz later in 2026 .
The show is executive produced by Courtney A. Kemp, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Mark Canton. Lionsgate Television produces the series for Starz .
While Raising Kanan is ending, the Power franchise is not slowing down. A new prequel series, Power: Origins, is in development. It will focus on the younger versions of Ghost (Spence Moore II) and Tommy (Charlie Mann) , showing their rise as ambitious street entrepreneurs in New York City .
With a legendary actor like Joe Pantoliano joining the fold, the final season promises to raise the stakes for Kanan, Raq, and everyone caught in the crossfire between Queens and the Manhattan Mafia.
Also Read: The Forsytes Release Schedule on PBS: When Do Episodes of This New Period Family Drama Drop?
For more updates on your favorite shows and exclusive interviews, keep checking back with VvipTimes for the latest entertainment news.
