Naturi Naughton-Lewis, best known for her iconic role as Tasha St. Patrick in the hit crime drama Power, is making a much-anticipated return to Starz. This time, she takes center stage in The Nowhere Man, a six-part action thriller set to premiere on January 16, 2026.
The series marks a significant milestone for Naughton-Lewis, not only as the lead but also as an executive producer through her company, Take Two Entertainment. Her involvement in the project goes beyond acting, highlighting her growing influence in shaping bold, globally relevant stories.
The Nowhere Man is set in Johannesburg, South Africa, and follows Lukas, a former Special Forces mercenary played by Bonko Khoza, who is struggling to leave his violent past behind. Living as a junk collector, Lukas tries to escape his demons until a home invasion forces him back into the world he left behind.
Naughton-Lewis portrays Ruby, a homeless shelter resident whose life intersects with Lukas in unexpected ways. The show’s creators describe it as a story about redemption, survival, and the consequences of violence, with Naughton-Lewis’s character serving as both a catalyst and a moral anchor.
Fans of Power have eagerly awaited Naughton-Lewis’s next move since she departed from the franchise. Her tenure as Tasha St. Patrick spanned six seasons and continued in recurring appearances on Power Book II: Ghost, making her a fan favorite and a staple of the Power universe.
With The Nowhere Man, she transitions into a new genre, bringing her signature intensity and emotional depth to a character-driven thriller that promises both action and drama.
Starz’s Push for Diverse, Global Stories
The Nowhere Man is part of Starz’s broader strategy to diversify its original programming. In recent years, the network has built a reputation for bold, character-driven dramas, most notably with the Power franchise and its multiple spinoffs.
However, Starz is also branching out into new genres and international stories, with The Nowhere Man representing a move toward global thrillers and action dramas.
This expansion is evident in other recent Starz projects. Fightland, a crime drama set within British boxing, features a diverse cast and is executive produced by Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson, further highlighting Starz’s commitment to fresh, high-stakes narratives.
The Nowhere Man (Credit: IMDb)
The network’s strategy appears to be balancing fan-favorite franchises with new, boundary-pushing content that appeals to a global audience.
By acquiring and producing shows like The Nowhere Man, Starz is positioning itself as a hub for gritty, character-driven stories that resonate with viewers who crave both action and emotional complexity.
The decision to set The Nowhere Man in South Africa and feature a largely South African cast is a deliberate move to bring fresh perspectives to American audiences.
The show’s creators, Phillip Wolmarans and Nick Keulemans, have emphasized the importance of authenticity, with directors Fred Wolmarans and Gareth Crocker leading the project.
The production team also includes several executive producers, including Naughton-Lewis and her business partner, Two Lewis, signaling a collaborative effort to tell a story that is both globally relevant and deeply personal.
Fan Reactions and the Road Ahead
Fans of Power have responded enthusiastically to the news of Naughton-Lewis’s return. Her role in the original series was a standout, and her transition to lead in The Nowhere Man is seen as a natural progression for her career.
Social media buzz has been building, with many expressing excitement for her new role and the promise of a fresh, adrenaline-fueled series. The January 2026 premiere date has also sparked anticipation, as viewers look forward to the first episode’s release.
Looking ahead, Starz’s slate continues to expand. Power: Origins, a prequel series focusing on the younger versions of Ghost and Tommy, is in production, with casting announcements generating further interest from the fan base.
The network’s commitment to both legacy franchises and new, innovative stories ensures that there’s something for every type of viewer, from long-time fans of Power to those seeking fresh thrills.
The Nowhere Man’s arrival is more than just a new show; it’s a statement about Starz’s evolving brand and its ambition to tell stories that challenge, excite, and inspire. With Naturi Naughton-Lewis at the forefront, the series is poised to be one of the most talked-about releases of early 2026.
Her journey from Tasha St. Patrick to Ruby in The Nowhere Man is a testament to her versatility and the network’s commitment to showcasing diverse, compelling narratives. As Starz continues to push boundaries, fans can expect more bold, character-driven stories that reflect the complexities of the modern world.
AMC’s Interview With The Vampire is set to return in 2026 , but with a notable twist: the series is being rebranded as The Vampire Lestat, aligning with the second book in Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles.
Showrunner Rolin Jones has spoken openly about the decision, stating that the new title simply matches the content of the upcoming season, which centers on Lestat’s rockstar era and his journey through fame and personal revelation.
For Jones, the change is not about marketing or confusion, but about honoring the spirit of Rice’s original work and making the story clear for both longtime fans and new viewers.
This shift is more than just a name swap. The new season delves into Lestat’s rise as a rockstar vampire , his complicated relationships, and the broader supernatural world that surrounds him. By focusing on The Vampire Lestat, the show aims to explore themes of identity, legacy, and the price of immortality.
Jones notes that the title change helps set the tone for a bolder, more ambitious season, one that promises both emotional depth and supernatural thrills.
Fan reaction has been mixed. Some viewers appreciate the clarity and the fresh direction, while others are concerned about how the change will affect the show’s continuity and its connection to the original novel.
However, Jones remains confident that the essence of Interview With The Vampire will remain intact, even as the series evolves to cover new ground. The show’s creators are committed to balancing respect for Rice’s legacy with the creative freedom needed to adapt her work for television.
What’s Next for The Vampire Chronicles
As The Vampire Lestat prepares to premiere, speculation is growing about the future of the franchise. Jones has hinted that future seasons could adopt titles from other books in the Vampire Chronicles, such as The Queen of the Damned.
This approach would allow each season to focus on a different character or storyline, giving the show a more serialized, anthology-like feel. While the final decisions rest with the network and the creative team, Jones believes that following the book titles makes sense and helps clarify what each season is about.
The shift to The Vampire Lestat also opens the door for new characters and story arcs. The upcoming season introduces Lestat’s band and explores his relationships with other vampires, including Louis and new faces that will expand the supernatural world.
The show’s creators are drawing from all of Rice’s works, weaving together elements from different books to create a cohesive, multi-layered narrative. This approach allows for both continuity and innovation, ensuring that each season feels fresh and relevant.
Rolin Jones (Credit: NBC)
The change in title and focus also raises questions about the show’s long-term future. Will The Vampire Lestat be a one-off season, or will the series continue to evolve with each new book?
Jones suggests that the answer lies in the story itself; each season will be shaped by the material it covers, and the creative team is committed to honoring Rice’s vision while taking bold risks. For fans, this means a series that is constantly evolving, with new surprises and challenges around every corner.
The Impact on the Immortal Universe
The rebranding of Interview With The Vampire as The Vampire Lestat is part of a larger strategy to expand the Immortal Universe, AMC’s shared world of supernatural dramas. By aligning the show’s title with the book it adapts, the network is making it easier for viewers to understand the series’ place within the broader franchise.
This approach also sets the stage for future crossovers and spin-offs, as the Immortal Universe continues to grow and evolve.
The change has been met with both excitement and skepticism. Some fans worry that the new title might alienate viewers who are attached to the original name, while others see it as a sign of the show’s ambition and willingness to take risks.
Jones acknowledges these concerns but believes that the core of the series, its characters, themes, and emotional depth, will remain unchanged. The show’s creators are committed to telling stories that are both faithful to Rice’s work and relevant to contemporary audiences.
As The Vampire Lestat prepares to premiere, the show’s future is filled with possibilities. The rebranding is more than just a name change; it’s a statement about the series’s commitment to innovation, authenticity, and the enduring power of Anne Rice’s storytelling.
For fans of Interview With The Vampire, this new chapter promises both familiar thrills and fresh surprises, as the Immortal Universe continues to expand and evolve.
