Jussie Smollett Could Return to 'Empire' For Series Finale

In an interview with TV Line, Brett Mahoney said the show is in discussions with the embattled actor.

According to Empire's showrunner, former star Jussie Smollett could possibly return before the show's finale. Showrunner Brett Mahoney recently spoke with TV Line's Michael Ausiello. According to Mahoney, the show has mulled the idea of bringing Smollett back for the final season.

“It would be weird in my mind to end this family show and this family drama of which he was such a significant part of without seeing him,” said Mahoney. Mahoney clarified that the show has not made a final decision. This news is a big step for Smollett. Last June, show creator Lee Daniels replied to a tweet from Variety that suggested the show's writers were preparing for Smollett's return.

Empire writers reduced Smollett's role at the end of Season 5 after the news of his charges broke. TMZ reported that Smollett was to have nine major scenes and a musical number in the penultimate episode of Season 5, but five of those scenes--and the musical number--were cut. Empire's fall premiere aired this past September. Fox has not announced premiere dates for the spring 2020 premiere.

This past March, Smollett's defense team reached a deal with prosecutors to dismiss charges of disorderly conduct and filing false police reports. Subsequently, President Donald Trump announced that the FBI would be investigating why the charges were dropped. Smollett reportedly filed a counterclaim against the City of Chicago and numerous members of the Chicago Police Department.

H/T: New York Post

SOURCE: TV Line