The sixth and final season of Empire is about to arrive. But sadly, Jussie Smollett, who plays the role of Jamal, will not return to continue his arc on the plot.
According to People, Jussie Smollett's career on the show is now over and done. Despite his artist's presence ever since the show began in 2015, and not to mention his contract renewal a few months ago, the network has confirmed that the fans should not "expect" Smollett in the new season.
Fox's CEO, Charlie Collier, along with the show's creator, Lee Daniels, explained on Wednesday that this is about gathering all the essential "information" and making the "right" decisions. These statements were made during the Television Critics Association summer press tour.
As it happens, Jussie Smollett has been indicted back in March with several counts of disorderly conduct. And this is due to the allegations made against him for filing a "false report." In it, the series star claimed that two men attacked him because of a homophobic and racist hate crime that happened in Chicago.
By the end of March, all charges were suddenly dropped after pleading "not guilty" to the allegations. But while it ended, the scandal grew over time. And as per TV Line, this has become one of the factors as to why the network has decided in May to end the show after the sixth season.
The series creator, Lee Daniels, explained in an interview that he undoubtedly supported the star who he treated "like a son" throughout the scandal. But when the charges backfired to him, hence the allegations, all of the cast and crew of Empire does not know who to believe anymore.
He further contended that if the allegations are all true, then they will all feel like it is a "betrayal." Even so, he remained positive and stated that he would continue to support Jussie Smollett.
As for Empire Season 6, it has become the most appropriate decision for the writers and producers to write off Jussie's character in the plot. While he will no longer appear on the show, his character is not completely written off as the plot will somehow show that Jamal is on his honeymoon with Kai.
It has also been hinted that the finale of the series will give the fandom the "send-off" that they all deserve. And they will all certainly be pleased as per reports.
There are also the talks of spin-off ideas to Empire. And as per Entertainment Tonight, the creators and producers, along with the network, are all open to the possibilities in the future.
Empire Season 6 will arrive on September 24, on Fox.
