In a precedent set by the success of such shows like Glee and Nashville, Fox is looking to debut a new show where the premise is based on original music. Their planned new show Empire, is unique in that it takes a look at the inner-happenings of a hip-hop mogul with a debilitating illness and his family. Already this show looks promising with the casting of Academy Award Nominee Terrence Howard in the lead role of Lucious Lyon, a sort of Jay Z meets Clive Davis type of figure. Starring opposite Howard is fellow Academy Award Nominee Taraji P. Henson, as Cookie Lyon, in a fabulous, edgy combination of Lil Kim and Lady Macbeth. Additional cast includes Trai Byers as eldest son, Andre, Jussie Smollet as soulful, musician, middle son, Jamal, and new-comer, actor-rapper Bryshere Gray as youngest son, Hakeem.
If all this wasn’t exciting enough, the show is created by Academy-Award nominated director Lee Daniels (Precious, The Butler) and will feature original music from notable producer, Timbaland! You can watch the full trailer and first look below!
“Empire”, A Show About Hip-Hop and Family, is Coming to Fox
“Empire” Official Trailer
“Empire” First Look
