Michael Rainey Jr. he is not afraid of the future

NEW YORK (AP) – Death threats on social media can have been one of the best things that ever happened to Michael Rainey Jr. – professionally, that is.

“When things really began going crazy, I used to be about 17, 18 years old. And at first I believed: ‘Damn, individuals are going crazy, bro!’ I feel prefer it’s only a show,” said the now 23-year-old main character of “Power Book II: Ghost.” Whether the threats at the end of his tenure on the original megahit series “Power” were literal or tongue-in-cheek, it was indicative of the love-hate relationship fans have developed with Tariq, the once-adorable son of drug kingpin James “Ghost.” Saint Patrick. Tariq eventually followed in his father’s footsteps.

“I salute the fans who responded because they helped me craft the storyline,” said Rainey, a forged member on all six seasons of the original series, which resulted in 2020. “(Writers) see how followers react and see in the event that they get a certain response and literally base the next script on that.

These scenarios and stories laid the groundwork for the Ghost spin-off, which can premiere in 2020 and center on Tariq attempting to juggle his illegal activities while attending a (fictional) Ivy League school. Polarized viewers’ feelings indicated that the latest series “Power” centered around Tariq was profitable.

But after three seasons, the series – consistently one of Starz’s most-watched shows – will premiere its fourth and final season on June 7. Although fans and critics expressed disappointment with the series’ ending, especially because it has been reported to be linked to reducing network costsRainey, a automobile enthusiast who is preparing to launch an episodic automotive channel on YouTube, says it took him a while to return to terms with the decision.

“I think there are some other directions we can go,” he said. “At the same time, I feel like they just wanted to end it while people still cared.”

The aspiring music producer, whose song from Wolfajoeyy will premiere in the mid-season episode, talked to the AP about his future, mentorship from veteran actors and avoiding typecasting. The conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity.

AP: What does it feel wish to know this is the last season?

Rainey: Definitely bittersweet. It’s been over 10 years of working with these wonderful people. It’s like we have turn into a family… It’s mainly over now. But at the end of the day, it’s still… you already know, it is a blessing. I’m very enthusiastic about what’s next for everybody – not just me – but everyone who was part of the forged.

AP: You’ve been running this series because you were 19. Do you’re feeling such as you get the respect you deserve as a predominant character?

Rainey: I feel prefer it is. I mean, all I actually care about is the respect and appreciation from my crew and forged, they usually give it to me… to all the other people on the outside, their opinion of me that I’m a very good #1 doesn’t really change anything For me.

AP: It feels like you had so much of support from veteran actors and collaborators like Larenz Tate and Omari Hardwick. What does this mean for you?

Rainey: Just having them in my corner and just searching for me and rooting for me is crazy. Especially like Larenz… literally day by day he’s on set, he involves me with the most encouraging words I’ve ever heard from anyone in my life. It makes me feel like there’s literally nothing I can not do, especially on the subject of acting.

It’s definitely a blessing to have people like that in your corner because it’s totally rare, especially to fulfill individuals who truly care about you and your profession on this business.

AP: Are you fearful about being singled out?

RAINEY: I’m really excited to maneuver on to the next chapter and really show you could take a look at me otherwise than… just Tariq or the dangerous kid.

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I really need to do a romantic comedy or something where I’m like a nerd or something, something completely different than what I’ve been portraying for the last 10 years.

AP: What did you learn from playing Tariq that you simply were in a position to apply to your life?

Rainey: Don’t feel too entitled to what you are depriving yourself of. I all the time say this because I feel like so much of people, especially kids my age and younger, should really understand that there are 1,000,000 other blessings in the world. You think this is the only blessing for you and it blinds you to the 10,000 million other blessings which can be literally waiting for you… That’s what I learned from 50 (Cent). I take this with me in every single place I am going.