Ryan Murphy says he’s working through the idea and potential cast for season 14 of American Horror Story. In an August 6 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he put it plainly: “Season 13 is not the end; I’m working on season 14 as we speak in terms of, ‘What’s the idea?’ and ‘Who wants to be in it?’” Elle reported on September 24 that FX hadn’t formally renewed the show for another season.
One name drawing speculation is Jessica Lange, whose return anchors the newly premiered season 13. Murphy told Vogue in August that he didn’t know what that season would be until he brought Lange aboard; he said he probably wouldn’t have made it if she’d declined. She’s playing her four former characters and a fifth whose identity hasn’t been revealed.
Asked on Live With Kelly and Mark whether that mystery role might point to season 14, Lange answered, “No!” according to Entertainment Weekly’s September 22 account. There’s no announced season-14 role for her.
Their working relationship goes back to the show’s 2011 pilot. The Hollywood Reporter reported that Murphy and Brad Falchuk expanded her part after casting her as Constance Langdon.
Lange went on to lead the first four seasons, and Murphy told TV Guide in 2012 that she had shared roles she wanted to explore as an actor. That’s the history behind the speculation, rather than a season-14 casting announcement.
Season 13 premiered September 24 with three episodes, making any verdict early. Rotten Tomatoes showed a 100% critic score from 5 reviews and a 38% audience score from 50+ ratings on September 28.
Radio Times praised Lange’s return while saying the plot takes a back seat to the returning cast. For now, Murphy’s stated questions about season 14 remain the idea and who wants to join it.
