Discovery Communications, Inc.(NEW YORK) — Fox’s hit show, Empire, has had numerous guest stars, including Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, singers Mary J. Blige and Courtney Love and model Naomi Campbell, but there’s one person series co-creator Lee Daniels is dying to have, his friend Oprah Winfrey. The two have worked together on the films The Butler and Precious.
Winfrey told The Hollywood Reporter that she told Daniels, “‘Lee, it’s not enough that you’ve taken every viewer possible on Wednesday night, now you want me to leave my own network?'”
Daniels reportedly laughed hysterically and said, “I’m wearing her down!”
Still, co-creator Danny Strong tells People magazine that he’s not really concerned if Winfrey signs on or not. “I mean, Lee has been throwing out name after name and who knows if we are going to get some of these people or not. I’m less concerned about that. I mean, it would be exciting to get them but at the end of the day we have to deliver the story of the Lyon family and all the drama that ensues with that,” he explained.
Empire centers on the Lyon family and their musical empire as they struggle to take the company public. A second season has already been ordered, although the show’s creators and the network are still divided on how many episodes should run. Daniels wants to stick with 12, while Fox wants more, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“My only hope for next season is that we can keep it as strong, quality-wise, as this season,” Strong tells People magazine. “And I think we can do it. I think it is a really challenging show to put together…I just want the show to stay as good as it can be.
Daniels told The Hollywood Reporter that many industry titans have come forward wanting to contribute in some way. Even Spike Lee reached out to direct an episode, according to Daniels. “That’s when I realized what a beast Danny and I have created,” Daniels told the trade magazine.
The two-hour season finale of Empire airs next Wednesday at 8 p.m. Eastern time on Fox.
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