Zuri Reed Cast as Young Tasha in Power Origins: Can She Handle the St. Patrick Heat?

Zuri Reed is officially stepping into the designer heels of a young Tasha St. Patrick for the upcoming prequel,

Power: Origins.

Naturi Naughton left some massive, fiercely protective shoes to fill, but Reed, whom you might recognize from the

National Treasure: Edge of History series (ironically also playing a character named Tasha) is the chosen one to show us how the queen of the St. Patrick empire earned her crown.

The St. Patrick Genesis

We’ve spent years watching Tasha manage a drug empire, outsmart feds, and deal with Ghost’s midlife-crisis-turned-murder-spree. Now, Power: Origins promises to take us back to the beginning. We’re talking about the New York City of the early '90s baggy jeans, bigger ambition, and the "unbridled audacity" of a young Tasha meeting James "Ghost" St. Patrick (Spence Moore II) and Tommy Egan (Charlie Mann).

The chemistry between these three has to be electric, or the whole house of cards falls. Reed has the unenviable task of portraying a Tasha who isn’t yet hardened by decades of betrayal but still possesses that signature grit. If she can’t deliver that "half-ride-or-die, half-business-mogul" energy, the fans, who are notoriously protective of the Power Universe, will let her know. Loudly.

A "Supersized" Trip Down Memory Lane

Starz isn't playing small here. They’ve ordered a massive 18-episode first season, which is essentially the TV equivalent of a double album. It gives Reed plenty of room to breathe into the character, but it also means there’s nowhere to hide if the performance isn't up to snuff.

She’ll be joined by Mekai Curtis, who continues his run as young Kanan Stark, bridging the gap between Raising Kanan and this new chapter. It’s a crowded house of talent, but Tasha was always the glue (and sometimes the gasoline) of the original series.

Will Reed Reign Supreme?

Casting a prequel is always a gamble. You’re asking the audience to forget the iconic face they know and love in favor of a fresh one. However, Zuri Reed has shown a knack for playing sharp, resourceful characters. Seeing her navigate the "fun and rambunctious" chaos of the 90s drug trade alongside a young, idealistic Ghost should be the highlight of the Starz lineup.

As we wait for the premiere, the question remains: does she have the "Tasha St. Patrick" glare down? Because in this universe, if looks could kill, Tasha would have a triple-digit body count.

Are you ready to see the St. Patrick origin story, or should Starz have left the 90s in the rearview mirror? Drop your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned to The TV Cave for more Power: Origins updates and reviews.