With a pilot directed by Daniels and co-written by him and Lee Daniels’ The Butler‘s Danny Strong, Empire is described as a unique family drama set in the world of a hip-hop empire, featuring both original and current music.
The Empire cast includes Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson (Person of Interest), Jussie Smollett, Bryshere Y. Gray, Malik Yoba (Alphas), Trai Byers, Grace Gealey, Kaitlin Doubleday and recurring player Gabourey Sidibe (American Horror Story: Coven)