Summary
Thetalented recurring cast membersare one of the most compelling aspects of Ryan Murphy’s anthology seriesAmerican Horror Story.Evan Peters appeared in ten seasonsof the show, playing dark characters like teenager Tate Langdon and cult leader Kai Anderson. While it would be fun tosee some humor inAHSseason 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 onAHSand 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 inAmerican Horror Storyseason 13.
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 Festivaland, according toDeadline, she answered a question about coming back forAmerican Horror Storyseason 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’sAmerican Horror Storycharacters 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, likeHeadmistress Cordelia Goode inAmerican Horror Story: Coven.Bythe 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?
Paulson also showcased her range when she played Ally Mayfair-Richards inAmerican 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. SincePaulson’sAmerican Horror Storycharacters are all differentfrom one another, and she evenplayed aghost named Sally McKenna inHotel, season 13 won’t feel the same without her presence.
No matterwhat 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 onAHS,Paulson has starred in several thriller movies such asRun, 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 onGood Morning AmericatopromoteHold Your Breath, her thriller that premiered on Hulu. She also talked aboutAmerican Horror Storyand said:
“I think there is a big chance that I will return toAmerican 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 onAmerican Horror Storybecause of the fun acting challenge of playing different characters. The series remains one ofRyan Murphy’s most memorable and engaging TV showssinceeach season has a different theme. When more news aboutAmerican Horror Storyseason 13 comes out, it would be great to hear that Paulson is attached, and she would no doubt play yet another compelling character.