Summary
- Jessica Lange won’t return for AHS season 13, making room for Sarah Paulson’s diverse and memorable characters.
- Sarah Paulson’s versatile acting is essential for season 13, adding depth and intrigue to the unpredictable storyline.
- Paulson expressed eagerness to return, citing the exciting challenge of portraying multiple characters on AHS.
The talented recurring cast members are one of the most compelling aspects of Ryan Murphy’s anthology series American Horror Story. Evan Peters appeared in ten seasons of the show, playing dark characters like teenager Tate Langdon and cult leader Kai Anderson. While it would be fun to see some humor in AHS season 13, fans are curious about the cast and look forward to seeing some actors who have appeared on the scary and fast-paced show before.
While Peters is a staple on the anthology series, Jessica Lange is also a familiar face for fans. She starred in four seasons and made a cameo appearance in season 8, American Horror Story: Apocalypse, which has a bleak ending. But although viewers enjoyed Lange’s time on AHS and would be more than happy to see her portray more strong and tough characters, she said she isn’t going to come back. Since Lange isn’t returning, Sarah Paulson, who has appeared in nine seasons, needs to star in American Horror Story season 13.
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Jessica Lange’s Absence Means Sarah Paulson Should Appear In American Horror Story Season 13
In February 2025, Jessica Lange appeared at the Glasgow Film Festival and, according to Deadline, she answered a question about coming back for American Horror Story season 13. She said “no” and continued:
“I mean, I haven’t done it for more than 10 years, 12 years, so, no, I’m not doing it.”
Lange’s American Horror Story characters are intriguing and she has played everyone from a singer working at a circus to a nun. However, Sarah Paulson’s characters are just as memorable, perhaps even more so. Paulson has played a variety of compelling characters, like Headmistress Cordelia Goode in American Horror Story: Coven. By the end of season 3, viewers know that Cordelia is a nicer person than Lange’s character, Cordelia’s mother Fiona Goode, and her kindness adds a lighthearted tone to the otherwise dark and grim season. Cordelia isn’t perfect or entirely good, though, as she has tried to hurt Fiona. But as the story twists and turns, viewers can’t get enough of Paulson’s performance.
Which American Horror Story Characters Did Jessica Lange Play?
- Constance Langdon, American Horror Story: Murder House
- Sister Jude, American Horror Story: Asylum
- Fiona Goode, American Horror Story: Coven
- Elsa Mars, American Horror Story: Freak Show
- Constance Langdon, American Horror Story: Apocalypse
Paulson also showcased her range when she played Ally Mayfair-Richards in American Horror Story: Cult, a woman who is scared of clowns and nervous about the political situation around her. As the season progresses, Ally becomes more unsure of what’s real and what’s not, and Paulson gave one of the most unforgettable performances of her acting career. Since Paulson’s American Horror Story characters are all different from one another, and she even played a ghost named Sally McKenna in Hotel, season 13 won’t feel the same without her presence.
No matter what season 13 is about, there would likely be a great character for Paulson to play. She can play a sympathetic character caught up in a strange world or a villain who acts in unexpected ways. Besides her work on AHS, Paulson has starred in several thriller movies such as Run, which was released in 2020. Even when she’s playing a villain, she’s a likable actress who fans want to keep watching.
What Did Sarah Paulson Say About American Horror Story Season 13?
In October 2024, Sarah Paulson appeared on Good Morning America to promote Hold Your Breath, her thriller that premiered on Hulu. She also talked about American Horror Story and said:
“I think there is a big chance that I will return to American Horror Story. I’ve got everything crossed. I would like to do it more than anything. It’s my home. It’s where I started.”
Paulson added:
“I got to play, you know, seven different characters in seven years, which as an actor is the most exciting, thrilling thing, and also allows an audience to be ready for anything you’re going to do because they’re not attached to one thing that you do, specifically. That has given me a lot of career flexibility.”
It sounds like Paulson enjoyed her time on American Horror Story because of the fun acting challenge of playing different characters. The series remains one of Ryan Murphy’s most memorable and engaging TV shows since each season has a different theme. When more news about American Horror Story season 13 comes out, it would be great to hear that Paulson is attached, and she would no doubt play yet another compelling character.
American Horror Story
- Release Date
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October 17, 2012
- Network
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FX
- Showrunner
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Ryan Murphy
More
Even Stephen King tweeted about the midseason finale cliffhanger of American Horror Story season 12, which stars Emma Roberts and Kim Kardashian.