EMPIRE Season 2 Cast Photos

Empire may have left fans dangling last season, but the show is back this September with answers, twists, deceptions, and a dazzling array of famous guest stars.

Last season we were introduced to Lucious Lyon (Terrance Howard), the king of hip-hop, an immensely talented artist, and the CEO of Empire Entertainment.

Lyon’s reign had been unchallenged for years, but after battling what he believed to be a terminal disease, Lucious challenged his sons Jamal (Jussie Smollett) Hakeem (Bryshere “Yazz” Gray) and Andre (Trai Byers) to compete for his throne, a task made all the more complicated by the return of their mother and Lucious’ ex-wife, Cookie (Taraji P. Henson), who was released from prison.

Season Two will pick up three months after Lucious’ shocking arrest and incarceration at the end of last season. Knowing Lucious won’t be held much longer in prison, Cookie and her allies within the Lyon family make a desperate attempt to seize control of the company.

But as the Lyons continue to battle each other, a bigger external threat emerges that could force them to unite.

Guest stars set to appear in Season Two include Chris Rock (Top Five), Lenny Kravitz (Precious), Adam Rodriguez (CSI: Miami), Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys, Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei (The Wrestler), recording artist Ludacris and global music superstar Pitbull.

Empire is back Wednesday, September 23 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

New cast photos follow in our gallery below.

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EMPIRE: Cast Pictured L-R: (Bottom Row) Bryshere Gray as Hakeem Lyon, Jussie Smollett as Jamal Lyon, Trai Byers as Andre Lyon (Middle Row) Grace Gealey as Anika, Kaitlin Doubleday as Rhonda Lyon (Back Row) Gabourey Sidibe as Becky, Terrence Howard as Lucious Lyon, Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon and Ta'Rhonda Jones as Porsha on EMPIRE Season 2 premiering Wednesday, September 23 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2015 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: James Dimmock/FOX.