The actor attended a sneak peak of the brand new season’s premiere, which is able to decide up two years after season 4 ended.
A small viewers of Empire followers acquired the prospect to see the present’s season 5 premiere forward of its Sept. 26 air date, in addition to hear from forged member Jussie Smollett, on the Tribeca TV Festival on Saturday (Sept. 22). “That was nice, nevertheless it’s nothing in comparison with the remainder of the season,” Smollet stated after the screening throughout a Q&A with Afropunk Chief Content Officer Emil Wilbekin.
The new season really begins with a time bounce, pushing viewers two years later than what they noticed on the finish of season 4. Smollett, who performs Jamal, informed The Hollywood Reporter that the shift kind of acts as a reset, making the season reminiscent to Empire‘s first.
“This season is actually about progress and unity. I believe we would have liked this,” the actor informed THR. “I’m actually excited, everyone’s actually excited. You see the vibe on set — everybody’s simply blissful to be there.” For Smollett, he is glad that the present continues to be resonating with audiences.
“We’ve been given a extremely particular platform to have the ability to characterize sure people who really feel underrepresented,” Smollet stated. “To have the chance to play Jamal on this means, on this season, might be probably the most thrilling factor.” Smollett can even step behind the digital camera this season after making his directorial debut in season 4. In the seven days main as much as Saturday’s competition, Smollett spent all of them directing.
Empire, created by Academy Award nominee Lee Daniels and Emmy Award-winner Danny Strong, returns to Fox on Sept. 26.
This article initially appeared on The Hollywood Reporter.