American Horror Story season 13 is not a Coven sequel, Ryan Murphy says
Ryan Murphy says American Horror Story season 13 brings past seasons together, with Sarah Paulson, Jessica Lange and Evan Peters in multiple roles.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
Ryan Murphy says American Horror Story season 13 is going bigger than the witchy reunion fans thought they were getting: the creator told Entertainment Tonight the new run folds together “all the seasons.”
Murphy made the comments at the premiere of his new show, The Shards, after speculation that the FX horror series was returning to its Coven era. That chatter picked up after set photos showed Sarah Paulson, Emma Roberts and other cast members dressed as witches, Variety reported.
Is American Horror Story season 13 a Coven sequel?
No, according to Murphy. He told Entertainment Tonight that viewers have been assuming the 13th season is a Coven season, but said the plan is broader: characters and performers from across the franchise are being brought into one story.
Murphy described the season as a crossover-style event, saying the returning players come together to take on “the ultimate evil.” He compared the lineup to the Avengers, framing the season as a gathering of major American Horror Story faces rather than a single-season follow-up.
The role count is part of the pitch. Murphy said Paulson is set to play “six or seven” roles, while Jessica Lange will return as all four of her best-known AHS characters. Evan Peters, he said, will play five characters.
Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts and Billie Lourd are also part of the returning cast, Murphy said. Variety reported that Angela Bassett is also returning for Season 13, with Paul Anthony Kelly, John Waters and Joey Pollari joining the season as well.
Why did the original cast come back?
Murphy said several longtime American Horror Story cast members had declined returns in past years, but this particular idea changed the conversation. According to Murphy, the scope of bringing the characters together made the pitch harder to pass up.
He specifically said he pitched Lange on the idea and that the concept convinced her to take part. Murphy also said he spent months and years writing the season because he wanted the 13th installment to feel special.
The season will run 13 episodes, Murphy said, matching its title: 13.
Who is not in American Horror Story season 13?
Ariana Grande had been expected to appear, but Variety reported earlier this month that she exited because of scheduling conflicts tied to her Eternal Sunshine tour.
American Horror Story Season 13 is scheduled to premiere on FX and Hulu on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. PT.
This story draws on original reporting from Variety.