‘Empire’ Season 3 Spoilers: New Cast And Taraji P. Henson’s Lyon Family Behind The Scenes Photo

Empire Season 3 has a premiere date and it’s about a month away on September 21, 2016. The last episode of Season 2 “Past Is Prologue” left us with a major cliffhanger after a fight between Rhonda and Anika that left one flying over the balcony.

Many fans are wondering who died, and Taraji Henson, who plays Cookie Lyon, confirmed that someone has died. In an interview with Extra TV, the beautiful actress revealed that the cast finds out when they are sent the script for Empire Season 3.

Henson revealed that the cast members call each other in shock. However, Cookie did not give anything away.

In the Season 2 finale, Luscious Lyon marries Anika to prevent her from testifying against him.

It will be better for the Lyon family if Rhonda Lyon gets the better of Anika. However, we will find out next month who took the fatal leap.

Taraji Henson posted up a cast member photo on Instagram showing that the Lyon boys – Hakeem, Andre and Jamal – played by Jussie Smollett, Bryshere Y. Gray and Trai Byers are all coming back next season.

Despite speculation about Terrence Howard not returning to Empire, the actor who plays Luscious Lyon posted some behind the scene footage showing that he is on set and returning.

One of the new confirmed cast members is Mariah Carey, who will be playing a guest role. Carey will be playing a successful singer, much like real life, who collaborates with Jamal Lyon for a song.

Taraji Henson also confirmed that Cookie and Mariah’s character will interact during Season 3. According to Entertainment Weekly, Henson spoke about Mariah Carey’s role during an Empire press panel at the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour:

“She was great. She’s fabulous, she’s beautiful to look at. I wish I could wear a leotard like that,” Henson quipped. “She brings a sense of what Mariah brings to the music industry. I’m grateful that she spent time with little old us.”

Taye Diggs will also be joining the cast. The actor will portray a Harvard Law alumni and city councilman Angelo Dubois. He comes from money and dedicates his time in his local community and politics.

King Lucious and Queen Cookie. #Empire returns Wednesday, September 21 on @FOXTV. pic.twitter.com/vr7UglGGAz

— Empire (@EmpireTVSeries) August 24, 2016

With Cookie and Luscious tumultuous relationship, Diggs character may play a love interest. A showrunner for Empire revealed that Diggs character will have an interest in Cookie. However, she doesn’t reveal whether he has any success.

“His story is all about Cookie,” explained showrunner Ilene Chaiken. “It starts as a Jamal story and like everything else, everybody intersects with him, but it’s primarily a story about Cookie.”

When asked if he may be one of Cookie’s lovers, the showrunner replied, “He certainly would like to be.”

Taraji reveals that Taye Diggs is funny and she had a good time working with him. Let’s hope some of that chemistry translate into the series.

Rapper Kid Cudi is set to appear in Empire Season 3. The “Erase Me” rapper is going to have a reoccurring role where he will play Hakeem Lyon’s rival. Cudi’s character will also have some kind of relationship with Hakeem’s ex Tianna who is portrayed by Serayah McNeill.

There is no mention of any other new cast members. Tyrese was rumored to appear on the show so we may see him in Season 3. There is no shortage of guest stars on Empire so it is likely that we will see familiar faces from hip hop and entertainment.

One of the best parts of Empire is its soundtrack. Producers and songwriters J.R. Rotem, Timbaland and Neyo are expected to record some of the songs for the next soundtrack.

[Photo by PLS Pool/Getty Images]