FX has finally revealed when American Horror Story will return, and the long-awaited thirteenth season is shaping up to be one of the anthology’s biggest events yet. The new season will premiere on FX and Hulu on September 24 at 6:00 p.m. PT, bringing together an all-star ensemble that includes a surprising return from franchise icon Jessica Lange.
UPDATE: Although it was previously announced that Ariana Grande would be in the cast, Deadline has learned that Grande had to step away from the project. “Due to conflicts with timing changes to the production dates of the horror series and with her Eternal Sunshine Tour happening simultaneously, Grande was unable to make her AHS debut a reality.“
The biggest drawing point may be Lange’s involvement. The Oscar-winning actress previously made it abundantly clear that she had no interest in ever returning to American Horror Story. After starring as Constance Langdon in Murder House, Sister Jude Martin in Asylum, Fiona Goode in Coven, Elsa Mars in Freak Show, and reprising Constance in Apocalypse, Lange had appeared in 53 episodes of the series and considered her time with the franchise complete.
During an interview last year, Lange was asked if she would return for Season 13. Her response left little room for interpretation: “Oh, Christ, no! I haven’t done it for more than ten years, twelve years. So no, I’m not doing it.” When the interviewer pointed out that Season 13 was rumored to be the final season and asked if that would change her mind, Lange simply replied: “No.“
Clearly, something changed behind the scenes.
Season 13 marks Lange’s first appearance on American Horror Story since 2018’s Apocalypse, reuniting her with fellow franchise veterans in what appears to be a celebration of the anthology’s legacy. Sarah Paulson is also returning, reprising her fan-favorite role as Cordelia Goode, Supreme of the Coven. She’ll be joined by returning cast members Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Gabourey Sidibe, and Leslie Grossman.
The season will also welcome several newcomers to the American Horror Story universe, including John Waters, Paul Anthony Kelly, Joey Pollari, and Alex Consani.
With Paulson once again playing Cordelia and Lange back in the fold, fans have been speculating that Season 13 could revisit the storyline introduced in the 2013 season Coven. Paulson has previously expressed interest in returning to the character, saying she wanted to explore how Cordelia evolved after becoming Supreme.
FX is also bringing American Horror Story to San Diego Comic-Con later this month with a promotional “13 Flavors” activation. Four themed ice cream trucks will be stationed around the convention serving flavors inspired by previous seasons, before inviting fans to a secret Saturday night event where a mysterious thirteenth flavor is expected to tease the new season.
Created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, American Horror Story is executive produced by Murphy, Falchuk, Ned Martel, Charlie Carver, Eric Kovtun, Nissa Diederich, Scott Robertson, Tanase Popa, Crystle Roberson Dorsey, Jennifer Salt, and Tim Minear. The series is produced by 20th Television.
Although rumors have been floating around for quite some time that Season 13 could serve as the final chapter of American Horror Story, FX has yet to confirm whether or not this will be the anthology’s farewell season.
What do you think about Jessica Lange reversing course and returning to American Horror Story? Is this the reunion you’ve been hoping for? Let us know in the comments.
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