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 for the FX horror anthology's next installment, appropriately (and eerily) titled "13." But which beloved characters will they be playing when the new season premieres on Thursday, 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.
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).
Evan Peters as James Patrick March
When it comes to "American Horror Story," there's no shortage of potential characters for Evan Peters to reprise. And while the actor has not officially confirmed which of his personas will return for "13," the assumption among fans is that it will be James Patrick March, first introduced in "Hotel." The eccentric serial killer is known to host lavish dinner parties, inviting other deceased ne'er do wells as his guests, so it would certainly be an excuse to squeeze in a few extra cameos. The catch? James' spirit is technically tethered to the Hotel Cortez in Los Angeles, so "Horror Story" would have to get... creative.
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."
Gabourey Sidibe as Queenie
All hail the Queenie! The human pin cushion is back for her third season of "American Horror Story," having originally debuted in "Coven." Like her fellow students at Miss Robichaux's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies, Queenie faced her fair share of challenges early on, but it was nothing compared to what she later endured during a guest appearance in "Hotel." With an enchanted ticket to "The Price is Right," courtesy of Cordelia (Sarah Paulson), Queenie flew to Los Angeles. Unfortunately, she made the fateful decision to stay at the Hotel Cortez, where she was ultimately murdered by deranged serial killer James Patrick March (Evan Peters).
Billie Lourd as Mallory
Billie Lourd may not have been seen filming with her fellow "Coven" witches in New York City on July 9, but considering the way "Apocalypse" ended for her character — Mallory became the coven's Supreme, traveled back in time, and killed Michael Langdon (Cody Fern) — we have to assume that "13" will find a way to incorporate Mallory. Come on, which of Lourd's other characters would even make sense to have in this season? Winter Anderson was strangled to death by her brother Kai (Evan Peters) by the end of "Cult," and "1984" ghost Montana Duke is eternally trapped on the grounds of Camp Redwood.
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.
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!
Kathy Bates as Madame Delphine LaLaurie
Kathy Bates has not confirmed which of her previous "American Horror Story" characters she'll be revisiting in "13," but with so many familiar faces from "Coven" returning to the fold, it only makes sense for her to once again play Madame Delphine LaLaurie — a role for which she earned the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie in 2014. During a June interview with Deadline, Bates casually mentioned having to "go back to New York to do one day" of filming for "13," implying that fans may not be getting as generous a serving of Bates as they would have liked. And is there even such a thing as too much Bates? We think not.
John Carroll Lynch as Twisty the Clown and Matt Fraser as Paul the Illustrated Seal
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." Also on board from "Freak Show" is Mat Fraser as tattoo enthusiast Paul the Illustrated Seal. Like Twisty, however, Paul was also killed off that same season, shot in the head by Dandy Mott (Finn Wittrock). How will these dead characters appear in "13"? Honestly, your ghost — sorry, guess— is as good as ours.
Who else is returning for American Horror Story 13?
Charlie Carver, who debuted as Adam Carpenter in "NYC," was photographed on the New York City set of "13" on July 9. Because Carver is writing several episodes this season, however, it's possible that he was simply there in that capacity, not as an actor.
Cara Delevingne, who played centuries-old witch Ivy Ehrenreich in "Delicate," was also seen filming in New York on July 9. It's unclear whether she'll be reprising that role or playing someone new.
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."
Mena Suvari is confirmed to be appearing in "13," reportedly reprising a role she has played before. Considering she 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.
