'Raising Kanan' Stars Talk Characters & Conflict

One of the reasons the Power Universe has remained a television powerhouse for more than a decade is its ability to create unforgettable characters amid chaos, conflict, and even bloodline betrayal.

Whether it’s a fan favorite redemption arc, a wise OG offering guidance, or a long-awaited figure finally stepping into the spotlight, viewers continue to invest in the people at the center of the story.

As Raising Kanan’s fifth and final season continues, Shameik Moore, Wendell Pierce, London Brown, and Joe Pantoliano are opening up about the characters and conflicts that continue to captivate audiences, even as the series approaches its end.

Swipe to see what they had to say ahead of tomorrow’s new episode of Raising Kanan on STARZ.

London Brown Says Marvin’s Growth Was Always Part Of The Plan

Over the course of Raising Kanan, few characters have evolved as dramatically as Marvin Thomas.

For London Brown, however, that transformation wasn’t something that happened by accident.

“That was the plan from the jump,” Brown said.

From the earliest table reads, Brown said he wanted Marvin’s story to reflect meaningful growth rather than keeping the character stagnant.

“We were always trying to figure out how to create space for the character to grow,” he explained.

That growth has not gone unnoticed by viewers, many of whom now consider Marvin one of the franchise’s most beloved characters.

“I’m just glad the audience is able to feel the work,” Brown said.

One aspect of Marvin that continues to surprise Brown is how much attention fans pay to the character’s eating habits.

“I knew the eating was going to be an interesting aspect,” he admitted. “I didn’t know it was going to be such a huge talking point.”

While some viewers may see the food as a running joke, Brown says many of those choices are intentional character-building details.

“When you see Marvin with a sucker, that’s not just because he has a sucker,” he explained. “For Marvin, that sucker says revenge is sweet.”

Brown says these subtle choices help transform television characters into fully realized people.

“It’s up to us as actors to create layers so these characters become real people,” he said.

As for Marvin’s legacy, Brown hopes the character remains part of the larger conversation whenever fans discuss the most memorable figures in the Power Universe.

“I hope Marvin is amongst that conversation,” he said.

When reflecting on the franchise’s continued success, Brown credits executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and creator Courtney Kemp for helping shape a cultural phenomenon.

“I think 50 understands the culture,” Brown said. “50 is the culture.”

Without their vision, Brown believes the franchise simply would not have become the powerhouse it is today.

Joe Pantoliano Says Power’s Characters Keep Audiences Coming Back

Joe Pantoliano has spent decades portraying memorable characters, and he believes the secret behind the Power Universe’s success is surprisingly simple.

The characters may be flawed, but they’re undeniably fascinating.

Pantoliano believes that crime dramas continue to captivate viewers because they explore people wrestling with trauma, temptation, and self-destruction.

“We fall in love with actors and characters,” he said.

The veteran actor pointed to a familiar theme running through many of television’s most successful dramas.

“There are so many shows about broken characters making bad choices,” Pantoliano explained.

For him, the appeal lies in watching people confront crossroads that force them to choose between doing the right thing and giving in to their darker impulses.

Those themes are especially evident in his Raising Kanan character, Pino Bernardi.

Like many of the show’s players, Pino is driven by power, influence and ambition.

“He’s a glutton for it,” Pantoliano said.

He also says that characters operating in these dangerous worlds often become addicted to risk itself.

“They’re motivated by that sense of danger,” he explained.

That pursuit of power can ultimately become destructive, creating the kind of tension that keeps audiences invested.

“Eventually somebody winds up with the short end of the stick,” Pantoliano said.

While Power may center around crime, violence, and betrayal, Pantoliano believes its staying power comes from something much deeper.

At its core, the franchise continues to explore timeless questions about morality, consequence, and the choices people make when faced with temptation.

Are fans truly ready for it to come to a close?