‘Empire’ Season 2 — Everything We Know So Far, Plus Is Cookie Getting A Spin-off?
Following a first season filled with drama, a slew of guest stars, and quite a few noteworthy events, the second season of Empire is sure to be just as thrilling. That being said, what can fans expect to unfold in the new season?
Just like last season, Season 2 of Empire is set to feature a number guest stars. According to Entertainment Weekly, these cameo appearances will include the likes of Chris Rock, Pitbull, Alicia Keys, Lenny Kravitz, Marisa Tomei, Ludacris, Kelly Rowland, Al Sharpton, Andre Leon Talley, Ne-Yo, and Swizz Beatz.
In addition to the new faces that will be included in Season 2, the Lyon family is certainly going to face a new set of challenges now that Lucious (Terrence Howard) is behind bars. With the CEO of Empire Entertainment locked up, Andre (Trai Byers) will make an attempt to take charge. However, Lucious has other plans, and works with Jamal (Jussie Smollett) to ensure Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) and Andre don’t take over.
Speaking of Cookie, Henson recently sat down with Huffington Post and revealed how much her character is important to young women. “Growing up, it was rare for me to see a woman that looked like me that inspired me,” she stated. “So it was very important for me to portray Cookie. I didn’t want to [screw] it up.”
Henson has done such a great job at her portrayal of Cookie that creator Lee Daniels recently revealed a spin-off of Empire is in the works.
“I think there’s going to be a spinoff of Empire, without question,” Daniels stated during the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour, adding that the new series would center on a young Cookie. I have to tell story that I know. I can’t tell it unless I’ve lived it,” Daniels explained. “OK, here she is now. How did she get to where she’s at right now? Let’s go back and understand her mother. Let’s go back and understand her sisters. Let’s get back and understand the makings of her. That I know, because I know Cookie.”
Daniels went on to reveal that the spin-off would very much be a prequel to the events in Empire. “It would be like a prequel. I don’t think we’re quite there yet. I have to focus on ‘Star,’ ” he stated, referencing his other music drama.
The second season of Empire is scheduled to premiere September 23 on Fox.
[Image Courtesy: Fox]
