Everything We Know About Empire Season 2
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Empire was one of the most pleasant surprise TV hits of 2015, with a cast full of dynamic characters, tons of drama, and amazing music. It wasn't just us, either — the show was also recently recognized with an Emmy nomination for Taraji P. Henson. It's been months since the show has been on the air, but the torture will end tonight! Here's everything that's out there about season two so far, including the new guest stars, like Cookie's sister!
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Lucious Will Be in Prison
Don't forget: Lucious gets arrested at the end of season one, and we know we will get a glimpse at his prison life from the behind-the-scenes peek we got from director Lee Daniels. An upside? It gives them the opportunity for guest stars like Chris Rock, seen here, and Ludacris, who posted a photo of himself as a correctional officer.
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There Are a Ton of New Cast Members
Get ready for a whole load of new faces on season two. Magic Mike XXL's Adam Rodriguez will star as a love interest for Cookie, Kelly Rowland will play Lucious's mother in flashback, Marisa Tomei will play a billionaire, and Becky G was announced as a new cast member. Alicia Keys, Lenny Kravitz, and Pitbull are also signed on for guest-starring roles as themselves.
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But Mariah Might Be the Biggest Get
There's no character info yet (or whether she'll just be playing herself), but Daniels revealed that Mariah Carey would appear in season two at her Walk of Fame ceremony.
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Cookie's Sister Is Coming
In perfect casting news, Vivica A. Fox will appear as Cookie's sister. She will make her debut in the eighth episode of the new season. "Cookie’s other family members are troublesome to say the least," executive producer Ilene Chaiken told EW.
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Becky's Getting a Love Interest
Another new cast member, Mo McRae, is even more exciting, because he'll be playing the love interest of Becky (Gabourey Sidibe).
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The Premiere Date
The show comes back for season two on Sept. 23. Until then, relisten to all the amazing songs from season one. Bonus: unlike the short first season, this season will consist of 18 episodes.
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The Pace May Not Be So Breakneck
Empire's stories happen famously fast, but Daniels said at TCA that the pace may not keep up quite as fast in season two. After admitting that the swiftness "came up in the writers’ room," Daniels said that they may slow down the storytelling, "just a little bit."
The Trailer Promises More Explosions
The badass Cookie we know and love is back, and there is much more drama teased in the trailer. We cannot wait.