The cast confirmed forAmerican Horror Story: Apocalypse, the 8th season of Ryan Murphy’s hit anthology series, is expanding like the ominous mushroom clouds seen in the recent teaser. Yesterday, Taissa Farmiga’s participation in the upcoming season was still just a rumor, but today we can confirm she’s officially back on board having previously appeared in seasons 1 (Murder House), 3 (Coven), and 6 (Roanoke). AsApocalypseis acrossover between Murder House and Coven, fans considered Farmiga’s return crucial, so we can rest assured that important continuities will be maintained.
Lily Rabe is also back on the program; the actress had major roles in each season ofAmerican Horror storyexcept last year’sCult(which she most likely sat out due to the arrival of her newborn daughter in May, 2017). We’re also getting word that rocker Stevie Nicks, who played herself in Season 3 (where it’s revealed she’s actually a witch), will be participating inApocalypse. Other recently confirmed cast members include series regularsFrances Conroy(who’s appeared in every chapter ofAmerican Horror StoryexceptHotel) and Gabourey Sidibe (who featured prominently inCovenwith cameos inFreak ShowandHotel). Emma Roberts, who played Madison Montgomery inCoven, is also returning to reprise that role.
Previously announced cast members forApocalypseinclude series staples Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters, along withJessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Joan Collins, Cheyenne Jackson, Billie Lourd, Leslie Grossman, Billy Eichner, and Adina Porter; Cody Fern, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, and Kyle Allen have been announced as guest stars.
ThoughAmerican Horror Story: Apocalypsewon’t be returning to FX until September, the series was recently renewed through Season 10, meaning we can expect the show to continue through 2020-at least! While few shows have managed to retain their core audiences and cultural relevance after more than half a decade (I’m looking at you,The Walking Dead) the anthology nature ofAmerican Horror Storymakes it incredibly adaptable and versatile. For example, Murphy and company are able to employ different methods of presentation, utilizing both found footage and documentary tropes for Season 6,Roanoke. They can also keep the show fresh by capitalizing on current events, like they did with the US presidential election in Season 7,Cult. Though the crossover nature ofApocalypsemeans we’ll be treading familiar territory this time, producers can adjust the trajectory of the show at any time based on audience reactions and emerging trends in entertainment and horror.
Thefirst teaserforAmerican Horror Story: Apocalypse, released yesterday, is a cornucopia of extinction-level mayhem and Satanic imagery certain to pique the interests of new and enduring series fans alike. But even if the upcoming crossover season fails to resonate as profoundly as past chapters, we can at least count on Murphy and his talented ensemble cast to push the envelope every damn time. This news first hit our radar over atDeadline.
