"Empire" Season 2 premiere is just around the corner, but one of the show's lead stars, Terrence Howard, is still facing some controversies that might affect his character as Lucious Lyon. Due to his dramatic marital woes, it was reported that he might get demoted.
As "Empire" Season 2 debuts later this month, rumors about Terrence Howard's role being reduced due to his personal life's troubles have emerged. According to International Business Times, it was reported that Howard's role on the FOX drama was being cut back because his recent divorce problems have been making headlines.
"They have him locked up so you won't be seeing him in as many scenes," a source told Page Six. "But they are bringing in so many, and I mean so many, guest stars and cameos that the average viewer won't realize it because there is so much going on."
A FOX rep, however, denied the reports, claiming it is totally untrue.
"Rumors that Terrence's role in 'Empire' will be scaled back are patently untrue, as audiences will see when the series returns Wednesday, September 23 on Fox," a FOX rep said in a statement to Access Hollywood.
In the recent update about Terrence Howard's legal battle, a judge reportedly sided with the 46-year-old "Hustle and Flow" star, determining that the spousal agreement he signed was forced by ex-wife Michelle Ghent.
Meanwhile, before the premiere of "Empire" Season 2, fans can still catch the entire first season, which will start airing Monday at noon and will run through 11 p.m. Entertainment Weekly revealed that FOX announced the news on Tuesday that a full-season marathon will air on Labor Day.
Aside from "Empire" full-season 1 marathon, FOX also dropped four new trailers and the occasional 20-minute preview for "Empire" Season 2, Screen Crush reported. And in addition to its Sept. 23 premiere, the upcoming season will expand to 18 episodes, rather than the initial 12 episodes.
"Empire" Season 2 is also structured in two halves with a major cliffhanger in between. It will also have a stellar ensemble of guest stars including Mariah Carey, Adam Busch, Andre Royo, Kelly Rowland, Marisa Tomei, Adam Rodriguez, Chris Rock, Lenny Kravitz and Alicia Keys, while hip-hop artist Ne-Yo will join Timbaland in writing music for the upcoming season.
For now, watch "Empire" Season 2 trailers and preview below.
