Jessica Lange Returns To Haunt ‘American Horror Story’

Jessica Lange is making a surprising return to “American Horror Story” after previously saying she has no plans to come back. The acclaimed actress, who has appeared in multiple seasons of the Ryan Murphy horror anthology, will once again join the show alongside series regulars and newcomers for the 13th season.

‘American Horror Story’ Teases Jessica Lange’s Return

On April 6, “American Horror Story” showrunner Ryan Murphy shared a first look at the show’s 13th season, which had just begun filming. The three photos on the Instagram carousel showed a woman with her back turned, staring out a window. “American Horror Story, Season 13. Day One. The return of Jessica Lange!” the caption read.

Little is known about the upcoming season 13, but many are speculating based on the characters returning that it will be a continuation of season 3’s “Coven,” while others assume it’s a sequel to season 1’s “Murder House.” Murphy seemingly confirmed one of the guesses was correct when he replied, “Done” to a fan comment requesting a “Coven extension,” more specifically asking to have Marie Laveau back, the character Angela Bassett portrayed in “Coven.”

Fans Are Ecstatic About Jessica Lange’s Comeback

Lange’s return is a welcome surprise, as she hasn’t appeared in “American Horror Story” since a guest appearance on season 8’s “Apocalypse” in 2018, despite being one of the series’ most beloved actresses.

“We’re finally getting that OG vibe back,” one wrote. “THE reason to watch,” another fan added. “Yes!!! I stopped watching when she stopped coming out in the show,” another wrote.

Others couldn’t believe the news and expressed their excitement over Lange’s return, with one writing, “THE QUEEN IS FINALLY BACK!” and another commenting, “About f-cking time!” One user thanked the showrunner for making it happen, saying, “THANK YOU RYAN.”

The Actress’s History In The Horror Anthology

“American Horror Story” is an anthology series, with each season focusing on a different story with largely the same cast playing different roles.

In season 1, “Murder House,” she portrayed the role of Constance Langdon, a wealthy and eccentric woman with a dark family history. She returned in season 2, “Asylum,” wherein she played Sister Jude Martin, a strict nun who ran an insane asylum.

Lange was the Supreme Witch in season 3, “Coven,” a powerful witch who struggled with mortality and had questionable morals. In season 4, “Freak Show,” the actress returned to play Elsa Mars, the owner of a struggling circus who was in charge of a group of performers with physical quirks.

Lange departed after season 4, returning for a brief cameo appearance as Constance Langdon for season 8 titled “Apocalypse.”

Why Did Jessica Lange Leave ‘American Horror Story’?

In 2015, Lange confirmed that she was done with “American Horror Story.” The actress said she loved portraying different characters in four seasons, but “there’s always an end to everything.”

Lange revealed to Deadline that she initially only signed up for one season, but she enjoyed it so much that she agreed to do three more. “The fact of the matter is, what kept me coming back were the characters. I mean, they wrote such characters for me – so diverse and wild,” the actress said. Ultimately, she left to pursue other projects, and she felt she had done her best on the show after four seasons.

In 2025, Lange was asked whether she was returning, to which she replied, “Oh, Christ no. I haven’t done it for more than 10 years, 12 years. So, no. I’m not doing it.

Inside ‘American Horror Story’ Season 13

Production is officially underway for “American Horror Story” season 13, but details about the storyline or theme have been kept under wraps. A teaser announcing the cast for the new season ended with the words, “Surprise, b-tch. I bet you thought you’d seen the last of me,” a quote from the “Coven” character Madison Montgomery.

Returning cast members include Lange, Sarah Paulson, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Gabourey Sidibe, Leslie Grossman, and Evan Peters. Joining them is newcomer Ariana Grande, who had previously worked with Murphy on “Scream Queens.”

“American Horror Story” season 13 is expected to premiere in time for Halloween 2026.