Fans who thought they’d seen the last of Cookie Lyon (portrayed by Academy & Emmy Award-nominated star Taraji P. Henson) when FOX’s ‘Empire’ was abruptly ended this year should think again.
Details inside:
“The independent broadcast network is re-teaming with Taraji P. Henson for an untitled Empire spinoff, with the actress behind Cookie Lyon reprising her role in the potential series.
The offshoot, which is in development, is the first project to stem from a newly signed two-year, first-look deal that Henson has signed with Empire producers 20th Century Fox TV. Henson’s newly launched production company, TPH Entertainment, will also produce the Empire spinoff, which will follow what’s next for Cookie. Former vp television at Working Title Christine Conley will partner with Henson to run TPH.
Danny Strong — who co-created Empire with Lee Daniels — will be joined by the franchise’s Yolanda Lawrence and Stacy Littlejohn to co-write the series. All three will serve as co-showrunners. Sanaa Hamri is also attached to direct. Henson will also exec produce alongside Strong, Daniels, Littlejohn, Lawrence and Hamri.”
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The series rebirth will likely give a proper end to ‘Empire’ and answer fan questions.
Elated at the news, Henson issued a statement to say:
“I believe that normalizing stories around stigmatizing matters will make them more palatable for audiences to embrace,” Henson said. “Art can change perception and I plan to develop projects that can help further the conversation. I also aim to help cultivate and establish new young talent and their stories because they are our future and deserve a voice and a platform to be heard. I’m so excited to have 20th, led by the talented Carolyn Cassidy, support me in this new endeavor!”
As of time reported, there is no tentative release date attached to the project and no confirmation if any of ‘Empire’s other main characters will be joining her on the new venture.
Yayy I love me some cookie
I haven’t watched empire since season 3. I’ll watch this
Let it go.
She said she’s not bossy. She’s the boss!
Did they kill off everybody else?
Im gonna watch this cause i love her? But i dont think Daniel’s needs To be attached to this.
Did anyone ask for this? Empires decline was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Just start fresh with something completely new.
No, ratings flopped for a reason. Let cookie do another show.
Im so for it. Hope to see all main cast members including jamal. I miss the lyons so much Ive been binge-watching Empire now on season 5 I dont want it to end. Bring back empire.
I say let it go. I love how it ended. Put Taj in another show. Shes a good actress, let her spread her wings.
I agree totally. Empire had a pitch-perfect ending, though it was not what was intended.
Please bring back the great Terence Howard as well.There is no Empire with out him
AWESOME! I am glad she will have control. I watched the end of Empire. Wasn’t too terrible.
Yazzz taraji we want to see that shes great in everything so yes
Like empire is good movie love it add come no fox tv love this movie this show good show ever come no
I’m so glad that this is in the works! Taraji is incredibly talented, and I’m sure this show will be a hit as well!