Fans have a very good reason for looking forward to September as it is when "Empire" will return for its second season. Season 2 of the groundbreaking hip hop musical series will premiere on Sept. 23 and filming for the upcoming episodes has already begun.
Series creator Lee Daniels recently shared several behind-the-scenes photos on his Instagram account, showing the developments for the upcoming season.
In one of his most up-to-date posts, Lee is flanked by two tough-looking inmates inside what looks like a prison facility where Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) is likely detained.
Then Lee posted a video wherein he is sandwiched by Howard and guest star Chris Rock. The comedian portrays the role of a prison inmate who later on becomes Lucious' friend while incarcerated. In the video, Rock shares that he enjoys working in the show.
"My first day was incredible," the popular comedian said. "I worked with the great Terrence Howard and the great Lee Daniels."
Howard also shared how he playfully welcomed Rock on the set by punching him "accidentallly" in the gut. However, Rock joked that the punch does not seem accidental.
"Empire" season 2 will pick up after the events that happened in the season 1 finale, wherein the Lyon patriarch was arrested and detained after his sons Andre (Trai Byers) and Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Grey) told the police that Lucious murdered his friend Bunky Williams (Antoine McKay).
Meanwhile, one of Daniels' posts indicates that actress Tyra Ferrell is returning to acting through the series. Ferrell is seen hanging out with Howard and Jussie Smolett, the actor who portrays the role of Lucious' son Jamal. However, he did not divulge what role the actress will portray in the series.
Elsewhere, "CSI: Miami" alum Adam Rodriguez recently shared with E! News how his new character Laz Delgado gets close to Lucious' ex-wife Cookie (Taraji P. Henson).
"What I know is this: Cookie and I share a similar affliction that we're battling and we sort of bond over that," Rodriguez said. "I manage to save her in a moment and that starts building a bond. I don't know exactly where that's going to go but I'm hoping it goes to some good places. I can't wait to be hanging out with Taraji and have a good time."
Other celebrity guests are expected to appear in "Empire" season 2, including Alicia Keys and Oprah Winfrey.
