There’s a double whammy of American Horror Story news as FX confirms a tenth season of the horror anthology has already been ordered and that Jessica Lange will return for the upcoming American Horror Story: Apocalypse.
Starting back in 2011 with American Horror Story: Murder House, the show has charted everything from insane asylums to haunted hotels, freak shows to found-footage horror. As Murphy prepares to bring back some of the series’ favorite characters for the anticipated Murder House/Coven crossover, it sounds like American Horror Story is only just finding its stride.
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According to Deadline, American Horror Story Season 10 has already been commissioned by the network. FX CEO John Landgraf told the site, “Ryan asked for a 10th season of American Horror Story which we were happy to give to him.”
Speaking about whether Season 10 could be the last, Landgraf confessed, “I don’t know. A lot of that comes down to Ryan and whether he still feels inspired about it. I think the eighth cycle, which is currently in production, is awesome and crazy, and I think the fans will really like it.”
He continued, “Part of what’s cool about American Horror Story is its anthology nature. So it comes down to whether Ryan and his collaborators, like (showrunner) Tim Minear, could come up with stories that they are excited about.”
Elsewhere, Variety reveals that Sarah Paulson spoiled Lange’s return when discussing Apocalypse at this year’s Television Critics Association summer press tour.
Lange last appeared in American Horror Story: Freak Show but has sat out the past three seasons. Although there is no word on who Lange will be playing in Apocalypse, it is a major piece of casting news for the upcoming season.
Playing Constance Langdon in Murder House and Fiona Goode in Coven, Lange had a leading part in both seasons. Given that Apocalypse will focus on Constance’s adopted grandson, it makes sense that Lange return as either of the fan-favorite characters or maybe even both.
Both Season 8 and 9 of American Horror Story were ordered at the same time, and while it may seem unusual for FX to work so far in advance, the show remains one of the network’s biggest hits.
Although Murphy recently signed a major deal with Netflix to produce shows for the streaming giant, his creations like Feud, Pose, 9-1-1 and American Horror Story will remain with FX. Taking this into account, it makes sense that the network wants to keep him onside for as long as possible.
Even with American Horror Story already bagging 15 Emmy Awards over its 7-year run, Apocalypse promises to be one of the biggest yet and could set the ball rolling for Season 9, 10 and beyond.
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Premiering Sept. 12 on FX, American Horror Story: Apocalypse stars Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Kathy Bates, Billie Lourd, Billy Eichner, Leslie Grossman, Adina Porter, Cheyenne Jackson and Joan Collins.