The ‘Power’ star will portray the villain opposite Butler in a high-stakes firefighter thriller currently filming in Australia.
Omari Hardwick is trading his leading man status for a darker turn in Empire City, an action thriller that pairs him against Gerard Butler in what promises to be an explosive confrontation. The actor, best known for his commanding performance as James “Ghost” St. Patrick in the Starz series “Power,” will portray Hawkins, the primary antagonist standing between Butler’s heroic firefighter and survival.
The role represents a significant departure from the morally complex but ultimately sympathetic character that made Hardwick a household name. While Ghost navigated the dangerous intersection of crime and legitimacy, Hawkins appears positioned as a more straightforward threat.
A firefighter under siege
Empire City centers on Rhett, a New York City firefighter who finds himself in an impossible situation when a building becomes a deadly trap. Alongside his firefighting squad and his wife Dani, an NYPD officer portrayed by Hayley Atwell, Rhett must battle his way through the structure to rescue hostages held by Hawkins and his team. The premise suggests a blend of disaster film intensity with hostage thriller tension, creating multiple layers of danger for the protagonists to overcome.
The film draws clear inspiration from classic action cinema, particularly stories that place everyday heroes in extraordinary circumstances. By making the lead character a firefighter rather than a soldier or law enforcement officer, the narrative adds an interesting dimension to the typical action hero formula. Firefighters possess unique skills and knowledge about building structures that could provide creative solutions during the rescue operation.
Building the ensemble around Hardwick
The supporting cast features Mel Jarnson as Leda, described as Hawkins’ right-hand operative, suggesting a formidable partnership between the two villains. This dynamic could provide interesting tension as Rhett and his team work to outmaneuver their adversaries. The firefighter squad includes Tre Hale, Michael Beach, Dominic Bogart, Stephen Murphy and Jack DiFalco, giving Butler’s character a crew that audiences can root for as they face seemingly insurmountable odds.
Director Michael Matthews helms the project, which is currently in production in Melbourne, Australia. Filming locations Down Under have become increasingly popular for major action productions, offering diverse settings and attractive production incentives. The Australian location also provides access to skilled crews and state-of-the-art facilities that can handle the demanding technical requirements of large-scale action sequences.
A busy year ahead
Empire City represents just one piece of an increasingly packed schedule for Hardwick, who appears to be capitalizing on the visibility “Power” provided. He will appear in Star Trek: Section 31, which premieres later this month on Paramount Plus. The project marks his entry into one of science fiction’s most enduring franchises, potentially introducing him to an entirely new fanbase.
Beyond that, Hardwick has secured roles in Prime Video’s “The Greatest,” a series exploring the life of Muhammad Ali, and “Start of Watch,” a prequel to the popular “Bosch” series for MGM Plus. This diverse slate demonstrates his range as a performer, moving between action, science fiction, historical drama and crime procedurals with apparent ease.
Evolution beyond Ghost
The variety in these upcoming projects suggests a deliberate strategy to avoid typecasting after spending six seasons as the face of “Power.” While that role opened doors throughout the industry, actors who find breakout success in long-running series often struggle to establish themselves in different types of roles. Hardwick seems determined to showcase his versatility, taking on everything from villains to heroes across multiple genres.
Empire City offers him the chance to explore antagonist territory opposite one of action cinema’s most reliable stars. If the film succeeds, it could open even more opportunities in the blockbuster space while proving his ability to hold his own against established action heavyweights.