‘Empire’ gets a season 2 trailer and a spinoff

Empire‘s TCA panel today gave us a preview of season 2, including a trailer, new images, and spinoff news from co-creator Lee Daniels.

“That’s what’s rattling people; it’s the truth, it’s unsettling,” is how executive producer Lee Daniels describes the appeal of Empire at today’s Television Critics Association panel for the series. After a record-breaking season 1, the anticipation for season 2 is certainly high.

The warring kingdoms are coming to Empire season 2 and the trailer released today draws the line. Lucious may be behind bars, but that will not stop him from doing whatever it takes to protect his throne, Empire Entertainment. Watch the trailer here and scroll down for the first look at season 2 and the spinoff news!

With guest stars such as Pitbull, who will appear to sing a duet with Jamal in season 2, Mariah Carey, Chris Rock, and many, many more, the show has more story to tell that 18 episodes just cannot handle. The solution? A spinoff!

Lee Daniels announced during the panel that a spinoff is happening, saying, “There is going to be a spinoff from Empire, without question. There’s so much ripe story that we’ve talked about already — about Cookie’s family, what makes her her. That in itself is fascinating to me.”

If you enjoy Cookie, and let’s face it you would not be reading this if you didn’t, then the prequel style new series will be right up your alley. The series will spend some time in Northern Philadelphia and focus on how Cookie became Cookie.

Daniels elaborated after the panel, saying, “Here Cookie is now, but how did she get to where she’s at right now? Let’s go back and understand her mother, her sisters… Let’s understand the makings of her… It’d be like a prequel.”

There is still plenty more to come as the countdown to season 2 continues. Check out the latest promotional character stills from Empire and let us know if you’re looking forward to a spinoff in the comments!