With the mega success that Empire has earned its no surprise that a spin off would eventually be in the works and yesterday (August 6) creator Lee Daniels confirmed the news himself.

On Thursday, the writer/director spoke at the Television Critics’ Association‘s summer press tour revealing that the spin off will focus on the back story behind Taraji P. Henson‘s character Cookie.

“I think there’s going to be a spin off of Empire. I have to tell story that I know. I can’t tell it unless I’ve lived it…OK, here she is now. How did she get to where she’s at right now? Let’s go back and understand her mother. Let’s go back and understand her sisters. Let’s get back and understand the makings of her. That I know, because I know Cookie.”

Don’t get too excited for it just yet, Daniels revealed that the prequel will arrive after he is done working on his next show for FOX, which will be titled Star and centers around a girl group based out of Atlanta who are facing the challenges of a rising group in the treacherous music industry.

Lee also opened up on some of the confirmed guest appearances on Empire stating “I don’t know the particulars.” he revealed on the character Mariah Carey will play.

Lee was also asked about a possible Denzel Washington as previously reported and he revealed:

“It’s funny when you start a TV show, you don’t know what you’re doing. You think you can get your friends together. The more celebrities and stars we put on the show, the more it takes away from the fact that it’s a family show. That’s OK for you to be dazzled by Denzel, but family is what this story is about.”

Empire Season 2 premieres September 23rd at 9/8c on FOX!