If you only know Gianni Paolo as the rich, white-boy-gone-rogue Brayden Weston, you're basically missing the whole plot. Most people think he just walked onto a Starz set and got lucky. Honestly, the reality is a lot weirder and involves a failed pro-hockey career, a $100 million family bankruptcy, and a random horror movie with Octavia Spencer.
He’s not just "Tariq’s sidekick" anymore.
Since Power Book II: Ghost wrapped its fourth season in 2024, Paolo has been moving like a guy who knows the clock is ticking. You’ve likely seen him popping up in viral TikToks with Harry Jowsey or hanging out with Theo Von, but his filmography is actually starting to get some real teeth.
Why Brayden Weston Isn't Just a Role
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Power Book II: Ghost is the cornerstone of the Gianni Paolo movies and TV shows list. Period. But what most fans don't realize is that Brayden was originally supposed to be a much smaller part of the Power universe.
He showed up in the original Power series for just four episodes. That’s it. But his chemistry with Michael Rainey Jr. (Tariq St. Patrick) was so undeniable that Courtney Kemp and 50 Cent basically handed him the keys to the kingdom in the spin-off.
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Brayden is complicated. By the end of the series, he wasn’t just the "comic relief." He was a cold-blooded protector dealing with heavy stuff—like his girlfriend Elle’s overdose and the fallout of his family’s Ponzi scheme. Paolo brought a "lover boy" energy to a character who was simultaneously doing lines of coke and holding a Glock. It’s that specific mix of vulnerability and "don't-give-a-damn" that made him a fan favorite.
Beyond the Power Universe: The Horror Era
If you haven't seen the 2019 film Ma, go watch it tonight. Paolo plays Chaz. It was his first major swing in a feature film, and he’s acting alongside Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer.
Playing a teenager trapped in a basement by a psychopathic woman is a far cry from the luxury penthouses of New York. It proved he could handle the "final girl" energy (or "final guy," I guess) in a high-stakes thriller.
Recent Projects and 2025-2026 Moves
Lately, the buzz is all about Trust. This is a psychological thriller from Republic Pictures (Paramount) that hit theaters in late 2025. Paolo plays Marcus, starring opposite Sophie Turner and Katey Sagal.
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In Trust, he’s playing a character who is a bit more naive than Brayden. He described Marcus in recent interviews as "stunted" and "not super educated." It’s a deliberate pivot. He's clearly trying to shake off the "prep school drug dealer" image by leaning into gritty, survivalist roles.
The Business Behind the Screen
Gianni isn't just waiting for his agent to call. He and Michael Rainey Jr. launched Twenty Two Entertainment. It’s funded by Kenan Thompson’s Artists For Artists venture. They aren't just making a podcast; they're producing actual films and TV series.
Speaking of the podcast, The Crew Has It became a massive hit for a reason. It gave fans a raw, unfiltered look at the industry. Paolo is incredibly transparent about things most actors won't touch—like residuals, 50 Cent’s birthday parties, and the terrifying moment he realized Ghost was getting canceled.
A Quick Look at the Credits
If you're looking to binge his work, here is the essential list:
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- Power Book II: Ghost (2020–2024): The definitive Brayden Weston performance. 40 episodes.
- Trust (2025): His most recent lead role as Marcus in a survival thriller.
- Ma (2019): A solid horror flick where he plays Chaz.
- Power (2018–2019): The origin story. Just a few episodes, but vital.
- The Mick (2017): He played a character named Jordan in the "The Divorce" episode.
- The Fosters (2018): A quick guest spot as Bryan.
- Chance (2017): He played Young Lambert in a single episode.
What's Next for Gianni?
The guy is a workhorse. He recently signed with Atlas Artists for management, which usually means a big push into even bigger leading roles is coming in late 2026. He’s also a regular in the comedy world, frequently appearing on This Past Weekend with Theo Von.
He’s got over a million followers on Instagram and more on TikTok, but he’s not just an "influencer." He’s a former hockey player from Rhode Island who almost made the NHL but chose to move to LA at 19 with nothing. That grit shows in his performances.
If you want to stay ahead of his career, watch Trust first. It’s the best indicator of where he’s going next. After that, go back and re-watch the final season of Ghost—specifically the episodes where Brayden starts to lose his mind. You'll see the range that's going to keep him relevant for the next decade.
Keep an eye on Twenty Two Entertainment for his upcoming producing credits, as he's likely moving toward the director's chair sooner than we think.