‘Empire’ Scoop: What’s In Store For Season 2?

Empire’s first season is coming to a close in a few weeks, and now we have a bit of an idea of what to expect for the second season. Empire’s executive producer, Ilene Chaiken, spoke about one of the most talked about characters, Cookie Lyon, and what fans will have to look forward to.

It seem as though everyone is talking about Empire — from their unapologetic ways of addressing homophobia in black culture, to their hot songs that are currently blowing up digital charts with the help of music supervisor Timbaland. That said, anyone who is paying slight attention can see that Taraji P. Henson’s character, Cookie, the matriarch of the Lyon bunch, is the most talked about character of the surprise hit.

When Chaiken was asked if Empire will become the Cookie show, she was very adamant about the show being a well-balanced ensemble cast, even though she has such a strong personality.

“We knew she was fabulous from the moment we saw the pilot. I didn’t work on the pilot, but it was seeing the pilot that made me want to do the show. And my colleagues at the studio and the network were on fire for Cookie. I mean, she is just spectacular from the moment she walks onscreen.”

She continued to speak about the show and how it’s really isn’t about Cookie. “No, because first of all, the entire cast is really strong. And the stories by their nature accommodate all of their strengths and all of their personas, and intuitively, I think, we know that we don’t need to overdo it.”

Although this season isn’t finished yet for viewers, most of this season was wrapped before Empire blew up. That said, it sounds like production has a good idea of where they want to be for next season.

As for Fox wanting more episodes than what Season 1 had to offer, Chaiken said, “I’m confident that they’re not going to ask us to do more than we can do well. And if we can do a full season well and if we come up with a plan for how to do it, then we will. And if we do fewer, it’s because we think that’s exactly the right number to keep making Empire great.”

Season 1 already has powerful guest appearances so far, so in terms of what Season 2 will hold, the sky seems to be the limit. “It’s way too soon to even respond to anybody, but it’s very gratifying.”

As for the music featured on the show, don’t expect Timbaland to leave anytime soon. He will assist for Season 2, as well.

[Image via Fox]