Actor Terence Howard poses at the NAACP Awards in Los Angeles
IN PHOTO: Actor Terence Howard poses at the NAACP Awards in Los Angeles, California March 4, 2011. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson Reuters/Lucy Nicholson

Now under arrest for Bunky’s murder, Lucious Lyon (Terence Howard) finally gave up his throne to Jamal (Jussie Smollett) and confessed his real name, Dwight Walker, before the Feds made the arrest on “Empire’s” Season 1 finale. One of the show’s powerful moment, Lucious’ revelation about his real name that even Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) doesn’t have any idea cemented the bond between Lucious and Jamal.

“That remains to be seen,” executive producer Ilene Chaikan told TV Line when asked about the significance of Lucious’ birth name. “I don’t want to give too much away, other than that we all are very interested in Lucious’ past. Learning that name -- opening up that particular box -- is something that we did intentionally.”

In an interview with Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Lee Daniels (“The Butler”) plans to take the story to the ghetto and wants to incorporate the “poorer-class” African-American experience to the storyline. He revealed that the show is done with opulence which could be the reason why Lucious revealed Dwight Walker.

Chaikan also revealed that they are going to bring in some playwrights to speed up the writing process for their cast layered characters. The “Empire” team is currently courting emerging African-American talents to join the ensemble cast and to play alongside Terence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers, Bryshere Y. Gray and Grace Gealey.

Meanwhile, series creator Danny Strong hinted that Jamal’s career as an artist might be put on the background as he takes over the Empire. “Empire” Season 2 will see Lucious’ middle son taking over the music business while his two brother (Andre and Hakeem) and Cookie are planning a hostile takeover with the help of Annika (Grace Gealey).

Although some of the fans were surprised that Lucious named his successor after finding out that he is not dying, but the head of the Lyon surprised everyone by giving Jamal the key. His decision is currently causing major conflict and Strong admitted that people are going to go after Jamal as the conflict continues into Season 2.

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