The foundational pillars of Ryan Murphy’s horror empire are returning to the fold. Sarah Paulson and Jessica Lange have officially begun filming for the 13th installment of American Horror Story, marking a significant homecoming for the two actresses who helped define the series’ early identity. The anthology, known for its rotating casts and shifting genres, is slated to premiere later this year on FX.
Production is currently underway, with Murphy utilizing social media to tease the return of his most frequent collaborators. Although the specific plot of the new season remains under wraps, early glimpses of the production design suggest a return to the lavish, atmospheric gothicism that characterized the show’s most successful eras. The arrival of Paulson and Lange signals a potential shift back to the high-drama, character-driven horror that originally propelled the series to cultural phenomenon status.
First-look imagery has already begun to surface, offering a glimpse into the aesthetic direction of the season. Sarah Paulson is pictured in a sheer pink top, positioned before a fireplace adorned with multiple candelabras. Jessica Lange, meanwhile, appears in a blue dress and heels, gazing out of a window—a composition that evokes the haunting stillness of the series’ earlier chapters.
A Reunification of the Murphy Universe
The casting for Season 13 is not merely a return of the “vintage guard” but a strategic convergence of various projects within the Ryan Murphy creative orbit. Beyond Paulson and Lange, the ensemble includes a heavy rotation of series veterans, and newcomers. Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Gabourey Sidibe, and Leslie Grossman are all confirmed to appear.
One of the most notable reunions involves pop star Ariana Grande. Grande previously collaborated with Murphy on the satirical slasher Scream Queens, where she played Chanel #2. Her casting in AHS13 reunites her with former co-stars Emma Roberts and Billie Lourd, who played the iconic Chanel Oberlin and Chanel #3, respectively. This reunion suggests that the chemistry developed during the Scream Queens era may be a focal point for the new season’s dynamics.
The depth of the returning cast underscores the loyalty Murphy commands from his performers. For many of these actors, the anthology serves as a creative playground where they can shed their previous personas and inhabit entirely new identities every few years. This versatility has become the hallmark of the American Horror Story brand.
The Legacy of the Anthology’s Leading Ladies
To understand the weight of the Sarah Paulson and Jessica Lange return to Ryan Murphy’s anthology series, one must look at the historical trajectory of the show. Jessica Lange was instrumental in the 2011 debut season, later titled Murder House, where she played the formidable and intrusive neighbor Constance Langdon. Her performance set the standard for the “strong, flawed woman” archetype that would recur throughout the franchise.
Sarah Paulson’s journey has been even more expansive. Alongside Evan Peters, she has become the unofficial face of the franchise, appearing in nearly every iteration. Their shared history spans from the original Murder House through Asylum, Coven, Freak Show, Hotel, Roanoke, Cult, Apocalypse, and Double Feature.
Angela Bassett as well returns to the fold, continuing a partnership with Murphy that extends beyond the horror genre into the production of 9-1-1. Bassett first joined the series in Coven as the powerful Marie Laveau, a role she later reprised in Apocalypse, in addition to her appearances in Freak Show, Hotel, and Roanoke.
| Actor | Notable Previous Roles/Seasons | Murphy Universe Connections |
|---|---|---|
| Jessica Lange | Constance Langdon (Murder House) | Original Season Lead |
| Sarah Paulson | Multiple roles (8+ Seasons) | Core Franchise Collaborator |
| Angela Bassett | Marie Laveau (Coven, Apocalypse) | Co-producer of 9-1-1 |
| Evan Peters | Multiple roles (8+ Seasons) | Core Franchise Collaborator |
| Ariana Grande | N/A (AHS Newcomer) | Scream Queens (Chanel #2) |
What This Means for the Franchise
The return of these heavy hitters comes at a pivotal time for the anthology. After several seasons of experimentation with different formats and tones, the decision to bring back the “founding” cast members suggests a desire to recapture the lightning-in-a-bottle energy of the early 2010s. The presence of veteran actors like Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett ensures a level of prestige and gravitas that allows the show to pivot between camp and genuine terror.
However, not every former collaborator is returning. In a move that highlights the unpredictable nature of the production, Patti LuPone has indicated she will not be returning for the thirteenth season, effectively ruling herself out of the current casting cycle.
For the audience, the primary draw remains the mystery of the “new” characters. Because the series is an anthology, the return of Sarah Paulson or Jessica Lange does not necessarily mean a return to their previous characters. The anticipation lies in seeing how Murphy will reinvent these performers for a new setting, whether it be a historical period piece, a futuristic dystopia, or a modern psychological thriller.
As production continues, the focus shifts to the premiere timeline. With filming already underway, the industry expects a late-year release, following the established pattern of FX’s programming slate. The next confirmed checkpoint for fans will be the release of the official season title and the first full-length trailer, which typically precede the premiere by several weeks.
We want to hear your theories on the upcoming season. Which era of the anthology was your favorite, and what role do you hope to see Sarah Paulson and Jessica Lange inhabit this time? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
