5 Shocking Ways Stefano Marchetti Is Shaping Kanan Stark's Villain Arc In Power Book III: Raising Kanan

The landscape of the '90s drug trade in Southside Jamaica, Queens, has been irrevocably altered, and the biggest catalyst isn't a street hustler but an old-school New York City mob boss: Stefano Marchetti. As of December 18, 2025, the most crucial update for fans of the Power Universe is the confirmed return of the notorious Italian mobster for Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 4, a development that shatters fan theories about his fate and solidifies his role as a long-term, strategic threat to the Thomas family.

Marchetti, brilliantly portrayed by veteran actor Tony Danza, represents the ultimate power structure Raq Thomas sought to align with—and subsequently escape. His presence introduces a level of organized crime sophistication and danger that dwarfs the local rivalries with figures like Unique. His continuing story is not just a side plot; it is the engine driving Raq’s downfall and, more importantly, actively molding Kanan Stark into the ruthless, cold-blooded killer fans know from the original Power series.

Stefano Marchetti: Character and Actor Biography

Stefano Marchetti is introduced as the Godfather of New York City's mafia scene, a figure so powerful that his influence extends across all five boroughs. He first appeared in the Season 2 finale, quickly becoming a recurring and central figure in Season 3 and now Season 4.

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• Character Name: Stefano Marchetti
• Role: Godfather of New York City's Mafia/Italian Mob Boss
• Series: Power Book III: Raising Kanan (Guest in Season 2, Recurring in Season 3–Present)
• Actor: Tony Danza (Born Anthony Salvatore Iadanza)
• Born: April 21, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York
• Notable Roles: Tony Banta in Taxi, Tony Micelli in Who's the Boss?
• Character Significance: He represents the highest echelon of organized crime, providing Raq Thomas with the connection she needed to expand her empire beyond Queens.

Tony Danza, a native Brooklynite, brings an authentic, tough-talking, yet cunning persona to the role of Marchetti, contrasting sharply with his previous comedic and dramatic roles. His casting elevates the stakes, signalling that the Thomas family's problems are no longer confined to the streets of Jamaica.

The Strategic Alliance: Why Raq Thomas Needed the Mafia

Raquel "Raq" Thomas, the queenpin of the Thomas family drug empire, has always been driven by the desire for more: more power, more stability, and most importantly, a legitimate future for her son, Kanan Stark. Her strategic decision to align with the Italian Mafia, specifically through Stefano Marchetti, was a high-stakes gamble with five major consequences.

1. Access to Untouchable Distribution Lines

The Mafia connection provided Raq with a distribution network far superior and more secure than anything she could establish on her own. This move instantly propelled her from a local Queens dealer to a player on the national stage, allowing her to move product with relative immunity from local law enforcement, who often turn a blind eye to the established mob.

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2. The Bookie Business Expansion

A key element of the partnership was the expansion of the "bookie business," a more legitimate-looking front that provided money laundering capabilities. Marvin Thomas, Raq's brother, became heavily involved in this operation, working directly with Marchetti's organization to manage the new ventures, including dealing with local figures like Early. This business is a critical source of friction and validation for Marvin.

3. The Sal Boselli Precedent

Stefano Marchetti’s presence serves as a constant reminder of the danger inherent in dealing with the Italian mob. The previous season saw the Thomas family navigate the treacherous waters of the Mafia, with Raq having to deal with the threat of Sal Boselli, who was a powerful figure within the organization. Marchetti’s position as the Godfather means any misstep by Raq will be met with swift and brutal consequences, far exceeding the threats posed by rivals like Unique or the pressure from Detective Malcolm Howard.

Stefano's Direct Influence on Kanan Stark's Transformation

While Raq’s interactions with Marchetti are primarily business, the mob boss has had a few direct, yet profound, interactions with Kanan Stark that are accelerating Kanan's descent into a life of cold-hearted crime. These moments are pivotal in shaping Kanan into the future villain of the Power saga.

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4. The Humbling of Kanan Stark

A standout moment that defines Kanan's path was his attempt to assert himself in Marchetti's presence. Marchetti, with a single, dismissive gesture, put Kanan in his place, revealing the vast gulf between a street-level dealer and a true "Godfather." This humiliation acts as a crucial formative experience for Kanan. He learns that true power is not loud or reckless, but measured, strategic, and backed by an organization that demands absolute respect. This encounter pushes Kanan further away from his mother's protection and toward a desire for untouchable, ultimate power.

5. The Financial Burden and Raq's Sacrifice

Stefano Marchetti was the figure who ultimately quantified the depth of Raq's commitment to Kanan. In a moment of calculated manipulation or genuine observation, Marchetti told Kanan that his mother had borrowed a massive sum of money—half a million dollars—to save him. This debt, and the sheer scale of the risk Raq took, is a double-edged sword. It shows Kanan the extent of his mother's love, but also the dangerous, high-stakes world she dragged him into. This knowledge is a heavy emotional weight that fuels Kanan's eventual betrayal and his need to escape his mother's shadow by becoming a more formidable criminal than her.

What to Expect from Stefano Marchetti in Raising Kanan Season 4

The confirmation of Tony Danza's return as Stefano Marchetti for Season 4 is the most significant indicator of the show's direction. The new season, which continues to tell the origin story of Kanan Stark (Mekai Curtis), will see the Thomas family's internal and external conflicts reach a fever pitch.

Marchetti's role will likely shift from a strategic partner to a looming threat. Raq's desire to step away from the drug game and secure a legitimate future for Kanan will undoubtedly clash with the Mafia's interests. The Italian mob boss is not one to simply allow an asset to walk away, especially one who knows the inner workings of his operation.

The growing tension between Kanan and Raq, exacerbated by the truth about his father, Detective Howard, means the Thomas family is fracturing at the worst possible time. Marchetti, a cunning and conniving crime boss, will be perfectly positioned to exploit these weaknesses. Look for him to leverage the bookie operation and the actions of Marvin Thomas to maintain control.

Ultimately, Stefano Marchetti is more than just a character; he is a crucial entity in the Power Book III: Raising Kanan narrative. He represents the wall Kanan must eventually climb or tear down to become the legendarily powerful and feared figure he is destined to be. His continued presence ensures that the stakes in Queens remain astronomically high, setting the stage for a truly explosive and transformative Season 4.