It is going to be hot.”
That’s what Rafael de la Fuente told us about his return to Empire for Season 2.
“There are a couple of really sexy scenes that the audience can definitely look forward to.”
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As you may remember, de la Fuente debuted last season as Michael, an aspiring chef and the loving boyfriend of Jamal Lyon (Jussie Smollett).
But once Cookie returned from prison and Jamal’s star started to rise, the strain on their relationship became too much and they broke up.
Has the time away changed Michael?
“I would say he’s a little bit tougher and a little bit more sure—and less willing to comprise his views,” said de la Fuente, who was in New York for Empire’s East Coast premiere at Carnegie Hall.
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He added that Michael’s toughness will show viewers a different dynamic between the ex-lovers: “People change, especially when they are thrown into a place of power like Jamal has been,” he explained.
“Jamal is the head of Empire Records now and it’s changed him a little bit as it would and I think it’s going to be really interesting. I think the audience is really going to like the new dynamic between Jamal and Michael.”
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Another difference we’ll be seeing in Michael is more cosmetic: De la Fuente has let his hair grow out.