News American Horror Story Horror Ryan Murphy

Ryan Murphy has finally explained how American Horror Story 13 connects every other season

No, it's not a Coven sequel

Hebe Hancock
28th July 2026, 15:50
Add as preferred source on Google
Add as preferred source on Google

For months, American Horror Story fans have been convinced season 13 was heading back to Coven. Between rumours and set photos showing returning cast members in familiar witch costumes, it looked like Ryan Murphy was finally making the long-awaited sequel happen.

Turns out, that’s not what’s happening at all.

Via FX

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Murphy confirmed that American Horror Story season 13 is much bigger than just revisiting one fan-favourite chapter. Instead, it’s set to pull together characters from across the entire anthology.

“It’s all the seasons,” Murphy explained.

Rather than focusing only on Coven, the new season will reunite some of the franchise’s biggest stars, many of whom will be playing several of their most iconic characters again.

Jessica Lange is officially returning as Constance Langdon from Murder House and Apocalypse, Sister Jude from Asylum, Fiona Goode from Coven, and Elsa Mars from Freak Show.

Sarah Paulson is also back, although Murphy kept most of her roles under wraps. Alongside reprising her Coven character, he confirmed she’ll be playing “six or seven” different characters across the season.

Via FX

Evan Peters will reportedly take on five roles, while Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett are all returning to portray multiple characters too.

Murphy summed up the story in one sentence: “They all come together to defeat the ultimate evil.”

In a fitting nod to the show’s milestone anniversary, season 13 will consist of 13 episodes. Murphy also confirmed the official title is simply 13.

Murphy says season 13 is more like an “Avengers”-style crossover event, bringing together every era of American Horror Story in one huge story. One notable absence, though, is Ariana Grande. The singer had previously been expected to appear in the new season, but was ultimately forced to drop out after filming clashed with dates on her Eternal Sunshine tour.

For all the latest film and TV updates and hot takes, like our Facebook page.

Featured image credit: FX