The Drama Behind the Scenes of “Empire” with Creator Lee Daniels

The hit series “Empire” may have captivated audiences with its drama-filled storylines and talented cast, but behind the scenes, co-creator Lee Daniels was facing his own set of challenges. In a recent interview while promoting his new film, “The Deliverance,” Daniels opened up about his experience working on the Fox series, and it wasn’t all positive.

Describing his time on “Empire” as “horrible” and “absolutely the worst experience,” Daniels revealed that the focus on money and the constraints of working within a formal studio system were not what he had hoped for. Coming from the world of independent filmmaking, where he had more creative freedom, the transition to a big network series was a shock for the Oscar nominee.

Despite the financial success of “Empire” and the opportunity to put his kids through college, Daniels expressed a desire to challenge himself creatively and experience working within a more structured environment. While he acknowledged the need for directors to answer to studio bosses, he also recognized the limitations that can come with that level of success.

As the series progressed, some viewers and critics felt that “Empire” had lost its way, with the last two seasons veering off course. This sentiment suggests that perhaps Daniels wasn’t the only one feeling the strain of the show’s production.

Regardless of the challenges he faced, Daniels’ willingness to take risks and explore new genres has solidified his reputation as a bold and innovative filmmaker in Hollywood. And while “Empire” may have had its ups and downs, it remains a game-changing series that showcased the talent and complexity of Black characters on screen.