Fox’s ‘Empire‘ had a tough time casting celebrities for the TV series.
At a recent Writers Guild America West panel, writers of ‘Empire’ sat down and discussed the past and future of America’s most watched new TV series. During the panel, ‘Empire’ writers pointed out how several celebrities would agree to appear on an episode but, would later quit on the day of filming.
As great as it was to have celebrities cameo on “Empire,” the panelists revealed some headaches when stars bailed after they had already written storylines for them. “Last season we got passed on a lot, and then people said that they would do the show and not show up the day before, or the day of,” Strong divulged.
If it were not for Cuba Gooding Jr., one day of filming could have been ruined.
Strong said that Cuba Gooding Jr. did a favor for Daniels when he filled in for a famous guest star at the last minute, playing Puma, a songwriter and friend of Cookie’s. But with the show’s success, finding guest stars has been a lot easier.
But, ever since the first season, ‘Empire’ has had hundreds of requests by major celebrities to appear on the TV series.
“Empire” has received more incoming calls than ever, according to Strong. “A lot of people want to be in the show, but it’s a balance of making the show feel real and not let the stunt-casting overwhelm it; at the same time, the stunt-casting is completely organic in the world of musical superstars.”
‘Empire’ centers around a hip hop music and entertainment company, Empire Entertainment, and the drama among the members of the founders’ family as they fight for control of the company. The hour-long family drama was created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, and stars Terrence Howardand Taraji P. Henson.
H/T: Variety
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