Taraji P. Henson Signs Multi-Year First-Look Deal with Fox Entertainment Studios

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Oct 31

The Empire star isn’t just commanding the screen anymore — she’s shaping the stories Hollywood tells next.

Taraji P. Henson has officially entered her mogul era. The Oscar-nominated actress, producer, and entrepreneur has signed a multi-year first-look deal with Fox Entertainment Studios, giving her the creative runway to develop and produce original television projects across genres. The move marks a full-circle moment for Henson, whose breakout role as Cookie Lyon on Empire helped redefine the network’s modern identity.

Under the new pact, Henson will produce through her company, TPH Entertainment, focusing on character-driven dramas and socially resonant comedies that amplify underrepresented voices — particularly women of color. For Fox, the deal represents more than nostalgia; it’s an investment in authorship and authenticity at a time when broadcast networks are fighting to stay culturally relevant in a streaming-first era.

“Taraji isn’t just a phenomenal performer — she’s a force of nature with an unfiltered creative vision,” said Fox Entertainment Studios President Michael Thorn in the announcement. “Her storytelling instincts, paired with her ability to connect with audiences, make her one of the most essential voices in entertainment today.”

Industry insiders see the partnership as part of a broader strategic shift. With linear ratings declining and traditional networks struggling to keep pace with streaming, Fox has increasingly turned to legacy talent with proven audience loyalty. Deals like Henson’s bridge that gap between nostalgia and innovation, offering a chance to rebuild network identity around creators instead of corporations.

For Henson, who has become a vocal advocate for equity and mental health in Hollywood, the move is both professional and personal. In recent interviews, she’s spoken candidly about the challenges of sustaining Black storytelling within a profit-driven system. Her company, TPH Entertainment, aims to change that through what she calls “purposeful entertainment” — content that entertains but also elevates.

The first project under the deal is reportedly a dramedy inspired by real-life headlines, exploring themes of ambition, class, and cultural reinvention. While details remain under wraps, Fox insiders describe the tone as “biting, cinematic, and deeply human” — a departure from procedural television and a return to the kind of character depth that defined Empire’searly success.

The agreement also includes development opportunities for streaming and international co-productions through Fox Entertainment Global, signaling that Henson’s creative reach will extend beyond the U.S. market. For Fox, aligning with a global-facing storyteller like Henson is a calculated bet on relevance: in an industry increasingly defined by cross-platform storytelling, personality-driven brands often outperform traditional programming.

Henson’s evolution mirrors a broader trend of Hollywood actors reclaiming agency through production power. From Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine to Viola Davis’ JuVee Productions, major stars are building content empires that merge advocacy and artistry. Henson’s new venture joins that elite list, reinforcing her dual identity as both performer and producer.

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“I’m done waiting for permission,” Henson said at this year’s NAACP Image Awards. “If the roles don’t exist, I’ll create them. If the system won’t shift, I’ll build my own.” Her Fox partnership is a natural extension of that ethos — a reminder that representation in Hollywood isn’t just about who’s cast, but who’s in control.

The industry is watching closely. While Fox continues to rebuild its original programming slate post-Empire, collaborations with proven talent like Henson offer something the network sorely needs: cultural capital. Her name carries credibility across demographics, her brand commands social engagement, and her creative instincts consistently resonate with the audiences broadcast TV still courts.

If all goes according to plan, Henson’s return to Fox could mark more than a creative reunion — it could be the blueprint for how networks survive the streaming wars: by betting on storytellers who understand both culture and commerce.