‘Empire’ Season 3 [LATEST SPOILERS]: Cookie Dying? Mariah Carey Set To Replace Taraji P. Henson Following Character’s Demise

As the season premiere of "Empire" season 3 looms, many fans are getting more excited to know what really happened on the rooftop brawl between Rhonda (Kaitlin Doubleday) and Anika (Grace Byers). But based on the latest spoiler updates, Anika or Rhonda's death will not be the only jaw-dropping event this season as some reports hinted about the possibility of Cookie Lyon's (Taraji P. Henson) demise.

"Empire" season 3 premiere is just around the corner and speculations about what to expect in the show has been widely circulating. In fact, latest rumors have it that Taraji P. Henson's character Cookie may die this season. Chatt Sports Net even hinted that guest star Mariah Carey, who will play the role of Cookie's friend Kitty, will be replacing Henson after her character's demise.

During Henson's Extra interview, the 45-year-old "Hidden Figures" star revealed that a character in the series will be facing death in "Empire" season 3. However, she didn't reveal who exactly will be killed off this season but the death might have something to do with Anika and Rhonda, who had a rooftop brawl in the previous season, Inquisitr noted.

Meanwhile, Henson also spoke to Entertainment Weekly, revealing "Empire" season 3 would feature a much darker theme compare to the previous seasons. In addition, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" actress admitted her character, Cookie, will focus more on herself and on the life she wants sans Lucious (Terrence Howard), including the possibility of finding love again with ambitious city councilman Angelo Dubois (Taye Diggs).

As for the other things to watch out for in "Empire" season 3, another Entertainment Weekly detailed what fans should expect and know about the upcoming season. In the article, the writer revealed that "Empire" will still be heavy on the drama.

With that said, fans will be able to have a glimpse of Andre's relationship (Trai Byers) to his grandmother Leah (Leslie Uggams) in "Empire" season 3. Since the two have bonded over their shared mental illness, they become closer to each other.

Jamal (Jussie Smollett), on the other hand, continues to struggle with PTSD in "Empire" season 3. But he will also find himself romantically attracted to Phillip (Juan Antonio), his counselor. As for Hakeem (Bryshere Gray), he will reportedly make an attempt to find love again with Tiana (Serayah), following his almost marriage to Laura (Jamilla Velasquez) but a conflict will arise as Tiana's new boyfriend is rival rapper Gram (the character was initially played by Kid Cudi but was replaced by Romeo Miller), Ecumenical News reported.

As for Lucious, the Lyon patriarch will reportedly face some childhood demons in "Empire" season 3, thanks to his Fed half-brother Tariq (Morocco Omari). According to series showrunner Ilene Chaiken, Tariq will try everything he can to Lucious down.

So, are you ready to know what will happen in "Empire" season 3? Don't forget to catch the series' upcoming "Godfather"-inspired season on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 9 p.m. on FOX.