The American Horror Story franchise is back with its 13th season, and the cast is a star-studded affair. The show's creator, Ryan Murphy, has assembled an all-star cast of returning favorites, and the anticipation is palpable. But which beloved characters will they be playing when the new season premieres on September 24? Let's take a closer look at the confirmed cast and the characters they'll be portraying.
Jessica Lange as Constance Langdon
The OG queen of American Horror Story is back to reclaim her throne: Jessica Lange, who has not held a series-regular role on AHS since Freak Show, is making a triumphant return in 13. But which of her memorable characters will she be portraying this time around? Fans are hoping that we'll also get to see Lange portraying former Supreme Fiona Goode — even if it has to be through a flashback. All of Lange's previous characters have been memorable, so we wouldn't be surprised if 13 also decided to revisit Sister Jude from Season 2 (Asylum), or even Elsa Mars from Freak Show in some capacity.
Sarah Paulson as Cordelia Goode
At this point, it would feel unnatural to have a season of American Horror Story without Sarah Paulson in it, so we're extra-thrilled to have her back as the bewitching Cordelia Goode. First introduced in Coven, Cordelia has always been a force to be reckoned with, eventually succeeding her mother Fiona (Jessica Lange) as the coven's new Supreme. Like most of the other witches, Cordelia returned in Apocalypse, where she reawakened her coven and led them in the fight against the Antichrist, aka Michael Langdon (Cody Fern).
Frances Conroy as Myrtle Snow
We have only one thing to say about this next return: Balenciagaaaaaa! Yes, Frances Conroy is once again donning Myrtle Snow's iconic wig for 13. Like the other witches, Myrtle was introduced in Coven, taking on a motherly role to the famously under-mothered Cordelia (Sarah Paulson). And not even getting burned at the stake could keep Myrtle from returning in Apocalypse, offering crucial support in the coven's battle against Michael Langdon (Cody Fern).
Emma Roberts as Madison Montgomery
We knew we hadn't seen the last of her! Emma Roberts, who most recently portrayed desperate actress Anna Victoria Alcott in Delicate, will return to American Horror Story as her popular Coven character Madison Montgomery in Season 13. Roberts' return as Madison was officially confirmed by Ryan Murphy in an Instagram post on April 9. The video featured Roberts seated at a beautiful piano, before turning around and spouting her character's now-infamous line to the camera: Surprise, b*tch! Bet you thought you'd seen the last of me.
Angela Bassett as Marie Laveau
No matter where the coven goes, can Marie Laveau ever be far behind? Angela Bassett will once again embody the historical Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, marking the character's third appearance in American Horror Story. We first met her during Coven at the height of her power, and we were thrilled to see her return in Apocalypse, even if it meant watching Michael Langdon (Cody Fern) literally rip her heart out in front of us. Don't worry, she's fine now. Time travel heals all wounds!
Leslie Grossman as Coco St. Pierre Vanderbilt
If you're looking to find out what's really in your food (a wise woman once said that the FDA in this country is a f***ing fraud!), you'll be happy to know that Leslie Grossman is returning in 13 as socialite-turned-sorceress Coco St. Pierre Vanderbilt. Originally introduced in Apocalypse as a vapid Beverly Hills heiress, she was revealed to be a skilled diviner, albeit in an extremely specific arena. She played a supportive role in her fellow witches' battle against Michael Langdon (Cody Fern) and ended the season living at Miss Robichaux's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies in New Orleans.
John Carroll Lynch as Twisty the Clown
Direct from Jupiter, Florida, two characters who originated in Freak Show are confirmed to be returning for 13, one of whom has already reappeared twice. First up is John Carroll Lynch as Twisty the Clown, one of the most iconic villains in the American Horror Story catalogue. Twisty was murdered by Edward Mordrake (Wes Bentley) during Freak Show, but fans couldn't get enough of his signature smile, so the show brought him back three seasons later for Cult. There, he was featured in a series of comic books inspired by his real-life crimes. Twisty made his third appearance the first season finale of American Horror Stories as part of a video game set in the Murder House.
Seth Gabel as Jeffrey Dahmer
Seth Gabel, who played real-life serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in two episodes of Hotel, will reportedly bring the character back for an episode of 13. Considering he has only portrayed real-life murder victim Elizabeth Short (in both Murder House and Apocalypse), it's safe to assume we'll see Elizabeth again.
The anticipation is palpable, and the speculation is rampant. Who else is returning for American Horror Story 13? Stay tuned to find out!
