Naturi Naughton-Lewis is expanding her entertainment empire with a powerful new role. The accomplished actress returns to Starz as both star and executive producer of The Nowhere Man. The action-packed thriller premieres on the network in January 2026.
This project marks a significant evolution in Naughton-Lewis’s career trajectory. She’s stepping behind the camera while maintaining her on-screen presence. Her dual role demonstrates her growing influence in television production and storytelling.
Starz recently announced its pickup of the series filmed entirely in South Africa. Naughton-Lewis hinted at this major project during the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival in August. Now the details are finally revealed, and the series promises to shake up the 2026 TV lineup.
Starring Alongside The Woman King’s Bonko Khoza in Action Thriller
The Nowhere Man centers around Lukas, a former Special Forces mercenary struggling with PTSD. When he witnesses a home invasion, he feels compelled to intervene immediately. However, this choice drags him back into a dangerous world he’s spent years escaping.
Bonko Khoza leads the series in the title role of Lukas. The South African actor appeared in the 2022 acclaimed film The Woman King. His performance brings depth and intensity to the complex character’s journey.
Naughton-Lewis plays Ruby, an American woman running an orphanage abroad in Johannesburg. “I have a special connection with Lukas,” she revealed exclusively to EBONY. Her character becomes entangled in the high-stakes action surrounding the troubled mercenary.
Filming Across South Africa’s Stunning Landscape and Communities
The series was shot entirely across South Africa’s diverse and beautiful landscape. Johannesburg serves as the primary setting for this international thriller. The location choice adds authentic texture and visual richness to the storytelling.
“I loved shooting in South Africa,” Naughton-Lewis exclaimed about the production experience. She had visited the country before but found this working experience particularly special. The Motion Story team and local crew created an incredible collaborative environment.
“Not only is South Africa beautiful, but shooting there was so wonderful. I felt at peace, loved the people and communities,” she shared. The actress even encountered wildlife during her commute to set. “It was nice to see giraffes, gazelles and other gorgeous animals on my way to work,” she added.
Building Take Two Entertainment as a Family Production Company
This latest project represents a true family affair for Naughton-Lewis and her husband. Two Lewis worked alongside his wife on the series through their entertainment company. Take Two Entertainment serves as part of the producing team behind The Nowhere Man.
“I’m thrilled to have my company, Take Two Entertainment, as part of this incredible team,” Naughton-Lewis shared. The opportunity marks a significant milestone in her professional evolution. She’s transitioning from solely acting to shaping projects from conception through completion.
Her role as executive producer allows her greater creative control and input. This evolution reflects her growing expertise and industry credibility. Therefore, Take Two Entertainment positions her for continued expansion in television production beyond 2026.
Returning to Starz Network in Expanded Executive Producer Role
Naughton-Lewis is thrilled to return to the network where she achieved major success. She starred as Tasha St. Patrick on Power and Power Book II: Ghost. The 50 Cent-helmed franchise made her a household name in the drama world.
“I’m excited to work with Starz again, but even more excited to be working with them in a different way,” she stated. Her previous relationship with the network opened doors for this expanded opportunity. Starz supported her transition from actress to producer-actress hybrid.
“Not only am I an actress, but I am part of the producing team, and that’s pretty cool,” she noted. She’s grateful that Starz supported her career growth and evolution. “Grateful that they’ve supported my #PowerMoves (pun intended). ‘Tasha’ is out here doing big things!” she exclaimed.
Creating Stories That Ignite Empathy and Global Connection
Naughton-Lewis views The Nowhere Man as more than just entertainment. She believes the series carries deeper emotional and social significance. The action-packed narrative aims to create meaningful connections among diverse audiences.
“This is an exciting, action-packed show that I think also ignites empathy,” she revealed exclusively to EBONY. The series explores complex themes beyond typical thriller conventions. Viewers will connect with characters facing extraordinary circumstances and moral dilemmas.
“Hopefully, it makes people feel connected, not just on a national level but also globally,” she added. Her vision extends beyond American audiences to international viewers. The South African setting reinforces this global perspective and cross-cultural storytelling approach.
Continuing to Flex Performance Muscles Across Multiple Television Projects
Naughton-Lewis maintains an active and diverse television career beyond The Nowhere Man. She recently appeared in a highly anticipated literary adaptation for Lifetime. The two-part movie brought Eric Jerome Dickey’s Friends and Lovers to screen.
The film adaptation aired on Lifetime in November 2025 to positive audience reception. This project showcased her range outside action thrillers and crime dramas. Naughton-Lewis continues selecting roles that challenge and expand her artistic capabilities.
Her career spans from playing Lil’ Kim in biographical projects to a perfectionist OBGYN. This versatility makes her one of television’s most compelling actresses. Each role demonstrates her commitment to authentic, nuanced performances across genres.
From Power Star to Executive Producer Shaping Industry Narratives
Naughton-Lewis’s journey from Power star to executive producer represents significant career evolution. She’s leveraging her industry experience to create opportunities behind the camera. This transition allows her to shape narratives from both creative and business perspectives.
Her executive producer credit on The Nowhere Man validates her growing industry influence. She’s not just performing in stories—she’s helping create and develop them. This dual role gives her unprecedented control over her professional trajectory.
The January 2026 premiere will showcase the fruits of her expanded responsibilities. Audiences will see how her creative vision translates through both performance and production. Naughton-Lewis is building a legacy that extends far beyond any single role or series.
Setting the Stage for Future Take Two Entertainment Productions
The success of The Nowhere Man could open doors for future Take Two Entertainment projects. Naughton-Lewis and her husband are positioning their company for sustained growth. Their collaboration on this series serves as a proof of concept for their production capabilities.
Working with established networks like Starz provides valuable experience and industry connections. These relationships will benefit future Take Two Entertainment ventures significantly. The company can leverage this success to secure additional production deals and partnerships.
Naughton-Lewis’s evolution from actress to producer-actress exemplifies modern entertainment career paths. She’s not waiting for opportunities—she’s creating them through Take Two Entertainment. Her January 2026 Starz premiere marks just the beginning of her executive producer era. The Nowhere Man promises action, empathy, and global storytelling that reflects her expanding vision as both artist and entrepreneur.
