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With the upcoming premiere of Fox’s Empire, 50 Cent suddenly has competition in the battle for fictional TV series’ based on dope dealers turned moguls. Fif was quick to point out how Empire takes a lot of its cues from the Starz series Power, on which 50 Cent serves as a co-producer.

Hollywood is full of stolen ideas, and history tells us those who initially create concepts aren’t always financially or critically rewarded. Keep reading to see if 50 should be scared or not. Here are a few reasons why Empire may outlast 50 Cent’s Power.


Photo: Instagram

David Calder as King Lear

photo: WENN

Empire is loosely modeled after Shakespeare’s King Lear, with the lead character’s children fighting to assume control of his empire.

50 Cent

photo: WENN

Unlike Power, Empire doesn’t rely on 50 Cent as an actor. We know 50’s track record on the big screen (no shots).

Brian Grazer

photo: WENN

Empire is produced by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer’s Imagine Entertainment, which was also responsible for 8 Mile, Friday Night Lights and American Gangster.

Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson

photo: WENN

Empire has more accomplished leading actors in Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard.

Lee Daniels

photo: WENN

Empire boasts directorial credits by Lee Daniels.

Terrence Howard

photo: WENN

Empire’s lead character is already out of the dope game possibly allowing for a more diverse storyline.

Pallbearers

photo: WENN

The lead character in Empire, Lucious Lyon, is suffering from a deadly disease which allows for all kinds of plot twists if played right.

Timabaland

photo: WENN

At least we know Empire should at least sound good since Timbaland is supervising the music.

Empire has the storyline of an openly homosexual character, Jamal.

Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson

photo: WENN

Empire is bound by the restrictions of network television (no nudity, no profanity), which could open it up to a rather large PG-13 audience.

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