Director Lee Daniels has found the perfect pair to head his “Empire.”
Hustle & Flow stars Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard have been tapped to play an estranged couple in the Fox family drama inspired by JAY Z. Our leading man will play Lucious Lyon, the boss at a record label who is described as “charismatic, tough, wise and a superstar in the music industry.”
Henson will play Cookie Lyon, a “badass” who has just been released from prison after serving 17 for dealing drugs. The money from her illegal activity ultimately helped build Lucious’ company and, now, she wants her cut.
Jussie Smollett will play the couple’s musically-inclined son who is ridiculed by his father for his homosexual lifestyle.
“Empire” will shoot in Chicago, but there is no word on an air date.