What 'Empire' Fans Can Expect from Taraji P Henson Following Her 20th Century Fox TV Deal
Taraji P. Henson is working on a spinoff series that will revolve around her iconic "Empire" character Loretha "Cookie" Lyon after signing a deal with the show's producer, 20th Century Fox Television.
Taraji P. Henson's beloved "Empire" character Loretha "Cookie" Lyon could be starring in her own show. The actress announced she inked a first-look deal with the show's producer, 20th Century Fox Television.
The spinoff series will be all about Cookie. Although not much has been revealed, the prospective series will follow what is next for Henson's character.
Taraji P. Henson attends the 2018 Fox Network Upfront at Wollman Rink, Central Park on May 14, 2018 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
COOKIE'S OWN SHOW
Should the show be ordered to pilot, Henson will star and produce it. The show's co-creator Danny Strong, Stacy A. Littlejohn, and Yolonda Lawrence are writing the series.
Sanaa Hamri is on board to direct it. Brian Grazer and Samie Falvey from Imagine Entertainment will be serving as non-writing EPs alongside Lee Daniels.
Earlier this year, "Empire" ended its run after six seasons. Henson and Daniels have been teasing the possibility of a spinoff for a long time now.
She plans to create projects that can help further the conversations about stigmatizing matters.
Henson's fans loved to see her character Cookie on the show. The actress even earned three Emmy nominations for the same role. In 2016, she was also nominated for a Golden Globe.
TARAJI IS MAKING BIG LEAPS
Henson has also launched her own production company called "TPH Entertainment." Christine Conley, who served as the vice president of "Working Title," is to run the company by the actress' side.
The actress believes that art has the power to change perception. She plans to create projects that can help further the conversations about stigmatizing matters.
Henson has been active when it comes to fighting against inequality and has been vocal about the pay gap in Hollywood. In an interview with "Insider," she shared how she treated everyone fairly on the set of "Empire." She said:
"I get food trucks for them. I also look out for the extras because I was an extra once. I know sometimes the extras are treated differently. I know the struggle."
The actress also believes that stereotyping Black women and calling them superwomen only makes things worse for them.
According to her, referring to women of color as superheroes suggests that they have the power to withstand everything which leads to bigger societal issues.