Emmy Award-winning actor Joe Pantoliano has been cast in Starz’s Power Book III: Raising Kanan for its fifth and final season, with the series expected to premiere in 2026. Pantoliano will take on the role of Pino Bernardi, the head of the Manhattan Mafia, adding a significant new layer to the show’s storyline.
New Faces and Roles in the Final Season
In this major recurring role, Joe Pantoliano embodies Pino Bernardi, a confident and commanding mafia boss who commands respect without needing to prove his authority, embodying the principle of
“speak softly and carry a big stick.”
Pantoliano’s character represents the old-school power dynamics of organized crime in Manhattan.
Joining Pantoliano is Leslie Grossman, who portrays Florence “Flossie” Siegel, Manhattan’s most prominent madam. Beneath Flossie’s polished exterior lies the toughness and strategic mindset inherited from her father, a Jewish mobster, revealing a complex connection between family loyalty and power.
Understanding Power Book III’s Narrative Arc
Power Book III: Raising Kanan continues to chronicle the early life of Kanan Stark, played by Mekai Curtis, tracing his transformation from a naïve youth to a ruthless antagonist. The series acts as a prequel to the original Power show, which starred Curtis as Kanan Stark, alias 50 Cent Jackson. The previous season concluded with a dramatic confrontation between Kanan and his mother, Raq, leading to unexpected deaths and the reintroduction of important characters.
One standout return is Branford “Breeze” Frady, played by Shameik Moore. Breeze, the nephew of notable street figures Snaps and Pop, forms a new alliance with Kanan, bridging the prequel with the flagship series and setting the stage for future developments.
Anticipation Around Key Storylines and Characters
Fans are eagerly awaiting answers regarding Raq’s fate following the shocking Season 4 finale, where Kanan shot her after suspecting her involvement in the murders of his closest allies, including Famous (Antonio Ortiz) and Krystal (Aliyah Turner). Despite these tensions, it is confirmed that Kanan will survive and transition into the Power: Origins series, which will highlight young versions of iconic characters Ghost (Spence Moore II) and Tommy (Charlie Mann) as they rise in New York City’s underworld.
Behind the Scenes and Production Credits
The series is created and showrun by Sascha Penn, who also serves as executive producer on Power: Origins. Courtney A. Kemp, creator and showrunner of the original Power, executive produces through her company End of Episode. Other executive producers include 50 Cent Jackson through G-Unit Film and Television, Mark Canton via Atmosphere Entertainment MM, as well as Chris Selak and Kevin Fox. Production is managed by Lionsgate Television for Starz.
Joe Pantoliano’s Distinguished Career in Film and Television
Joe Pantoliano boasts a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, with significant contributions to iconic American films and TV series, earning him a lasting reputation in Hollywood. He earned his first Emmy Award in 2003 for his role as Ralph Cifaretto on HBO’s The Sopranos and received a subsequent Emmy nomination for portraying Eugene in HBO’s The Last of Us.
His recent performances include roles in Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Showtime’s Dexter: Original Sin, and Marvel’s Wonder Man. Pantoliano’s filmography also encompasses titles such as The Matrix, Bound, and The Fugitive. He is represented by IAG and agent Paul Meyersohn.
Impact of Pantoliano’s Role in Power Book III
As Pino Bernardi, Joe Pantoliano brings decades of experience in playing complex characters within crime dramas, enriching Power Book III’s depiction of organized crime’s inner workings. His involvement is expected to deepen the series’ exploration of power struggles and alliances in Manhattan’s underworld, aligning with the show’s ongoing commitment to intense and multifaceted storytelling.
