It has been more than four months since we’ve last heard an update about the development of Taraji P. Henson’s Empire spinoff series, and now Deadline brings word that the project is officially no longer moving forward at Fox. However, the Oscar-nominated actress along with 20th Television are currently trying to shop the potential series to other Disney-owed outlets such as ABC and Hulu.
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The untitled spinoff series, centered around Henson’s character Cookie Lyon, will be written and executive produced by Empire co-creator Danny Strong, along with Stacy Littlejohn and Yolanda Lawrence with the trio serving as co-showrunners should the project pilot get picked up. Empire veteran Sanaa Hamri will direct while Henson, Empire co-creator Lee Daniels, Brian Grazer, and Samie Falvey executive produce.
The original series starred Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Bryshere “Yazz” Gray, Trai Byers, Grace Byers, Gabourey Sidibe, Ta’Rhonda Jones, Serayah, Xzibit, Rumer Willis, Andre Royo, and Terrell Carter.
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Empire ran on-air for six seasons from 2015-2020. It had aired its series finale earlier this year with an unplanned shortened season due to the ongoing pandemic that prevented them from completing the filming on the last two episodes.
