Right before the Super Bowl, Empire co-creator and exec producer Lee Daniels showed the image of the new Empire Season 2 poster. It’s got Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) front and center, with Lucious (Terrence Howard), Hakeem (Bryshere Gray), and Jamal (Jussie Smollett) looking off into the distance. Meanwhile, Andre (Trai Byers) is looking straight into the camera.
@EmpireFOX returns March 30 pic.twitter.com/jnm8lzv5uA— lee daniels (@leedanielsent) February 6, 2016
So what does this all mean? Let’s analyze:
- Cookie is front and center. Once again, she is the pillar, the anchor of this family. She is clear-headed and focused. Also, notice the position of her hand at her eyes — she has her sights set on something in the distance. Perhaps it’s getting Empire back.
- Lucious is located behind Cookie. His back is to her and his body isn’t even facing the camera. It’s almost as if he’s seeking protection behind her and he’s hurt. That’s understandable after what happened with Mimi Whiteman.
- And then we have the division of the Lyon brothers: Jamal is on one side of Cookie, while Andre and Hakeem are on the side with Lucious. Could this mean Hakeem and Lucious will make up finally? Or will he return to Empire to be with Camille to spite Lucious?
- Naturally, Andre is located closest to Lucious, right where he has always wanted to be, He looks directly into the camera because he’s got all he’s ever wanted: His dad’s approval, and a baby on the way. Well, at least I hope the latter is still true.
- As for Jamal, Hakeem and Lucious, it seems like they’re still at odds and that’s why they’re looking away from the camera and off into the distance. Hakeem also seems to have his eyes on Lucious — perhaps he’s suspicious of dear old dad.
The rest of Empire Season 2 premieres on March 30. And believe me, I’m counting the days.