As 'Empire' Season 2 draws to a close next Wednesday, FOX as well as the show creators have started preparing for the future - Season 2 of the popular musical television drama. From what it appears like, the successful series is likely to boast some big names of the industry as guest stars, when it returns next season.

According to IB Times, 'Empire' co-creator Lee Daniels has been teasing the media that mega stars Oprah Winfrey and Common may feature in the second season of the show. In fact, adding Winfrey to the show seems quite sensible, as Daniels has worked with her earlier too. In 2013, she played a major role in 'Lee Daniels' The Butler'. On the other hand, Winfrey and Common worked together recently in the Oscar-nominated film 'Selma.'

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Winfrey said, "I tell him: 'Lee, it's not enough that you've taken every viewer possible on Wednesday night. Now you want me to leave my own network?'" The former queen of daytime talk was referring to Daniels' efforts to recruit her.

Nevertheless, it seems that it was not too difficult for Daniels to convince the 61-year-old media mogul. Soon after the interview, Daniels looked more confident and told Access Hollywood that he has locked Winfrey down for 'Empire' Season 2.

At the screening of the show in Los Angeles recently, Daniels said, "Yes. Yeah. She's gonna be on it." This may possibly be yet another strategy of Daniels to compel Winfrey to accept the role, even though reluctantly.

Teasing about casting Common in the show, Daniels said, "Oh yeah, for sure. For absolutely sure. We're going to have a good time," adding, "You heard that first."

In fact, this seems to be much more like confirmation, as Common has expressed any reluctance to join the hit series. In the past, Common actually expressed a direct interest, saying, "I see Lee at the gym and they shoot 'Empire' in my hometown of Chicago." He told Access at the 'Run All Night' press meet, "I would be a part of it if it was something that was the right character. I'm all about being a part of really quality things."

Apart from Winfrey and Common, 'Empire' fans can expect to watch Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Bryshere Y. Gray, Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers and Kaitlin Doubleday in the second season of the show.

'Meanwhile, 'Empire' Season 1 finale airs on Wednesday, March 18, at 8 pm EDT on Fox.