Two episodes in and FOX has already renewed Empire for a second season!!
The hip-hopera stars Terrence Howard as music mogul and record eexecutiveLucious Lyon, and Taraji P. Henson, his slick at the mouth, go-getter ex-wife, Cookie. Lucious’ three sons, a manipulative businessman, a rapper and a singer are all fighting for the throne once Lucious steps down! Juicy!
During a press panel at the 20115 Winter TCA Press Tour, director Lee Daniels [The Butler], revealed that Terrence wasn’t who had in mind for the role of the music mogul. Instead, Daniels stated that his first choice was Wesley Snipes.
However, Taraji said that the only way she would sign on to star in the show is if Terrence was cast.
“I was like, ‘Lee, this is an incredible project. I think Cookie is amazing. I would love to play her. If you can get Terrence, I’m all about it. If not, good luck with the project!”
Daniels went on to reveal that Taraji wasn’t even booked or confirmed for her role yet when she made the request:
“Taraji says, ‘I really want to do this role with Terrence Howard,’ and I was like, ‘You ain’t got the job yet,’ Daniels recanted. “And then, I was like, ‘Danny [Stong], that’s Cookie!”
Terrence admitted during the press panel that he was mortified of the role after reading the script for the debut episode, which included a flashback scene of Lucious’ finding out one of his sons was gay. The dramatic scene which showed Lucsious throwing his son in the garbage was based on director Lee Daniel’s life:
“Lee Daniels was the little boy and his father put him in the trash can. Watching Lee while we were shooting this – at one point, he had to look away because he was in tears, because he was facing it. His mother was also there on set. It was cathartic for Lee.
Lee would not allow me to show any compassion in the scene. He reminded me how much Lucious loved little Jamal, but my need for the boy to be a strong man was greater than my need to show my love to him. That was a difficult scene!”
Terrence also added that with Taraji’s encouraging words, he was able to get past those difficult scenes and has been thankful for the experience and opportunity to join the cast:
“When you’re around people who challenge you to go higher than you can, to sing better than you’ve ever thought you could sing, and you realize that you can reach a high place, which FOX has asked us to with this show; not only entertaining people, but change the persona of what’s happening in the world, you can’t help but jump on board and say, ‘I’m in, win or fail,’ I’m so thankful, because it has changed my life!”
This is all great news and makes Empire a game changer. Not only has it been picked up for a second season, but it was also FOX’s highest rated show to debut in three years!
If you haven’t checked out the show, catch Episode 1 and Episode 2. Don’t have time to watch? Check out our recap for Episode 1 and 2!
Empire airs on Wednesday’s at 8/9c on FOX.
