From Scream Queens to American Horror Story: Ariana Grande Finally Enters Ryan Murphy’s Dark Universe
In a move that sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and set social media ablaze, Ryan Murphy orchestrated the most delicious Halloween surprise of 2025: the official announcement of American Horror Story Season 13’s star-studded cast. The reveal, delivered via a spine-tingling video on October 31st, confirmed what devotees of the cult anthology series have been manifesting for years—a full-scale reunion of the franchise’s most iconic players, scheduled to premiere in 2026.
“Surprise, bitch. I bet you thought you’d seen the last of me,” the teaser proclaimed, borrowing the now-legendary line from Emma Roberts’ deliciously wicked Madison Montgomery in American Horror Story: Coven. The quote proved prophetic, as Murphy assembled what can only be described as the Avengers of horror television: Ariana Grande, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Gabourey Sidibe, Leslie Grossman, and—in a stunning reversal—Jessica Lange.
For those keeping score, this roster represents the crème de la crème of the Ryan Murphy universe. Each actor has left an indelible mark on the franchise, creating characters that have transcended television to become cultural touchstones. The casting announcement feels less like a typical Hollywood press release and more like a homecoming for a theatrical family that has redefined horror for the prestige television era.
Perhaps most shocking is Jessica Lange’s return, particularly given her emphatic denial earlier this year. When questioned at the Glasgow Film Festival premiere of Long Day’s Journey Into Night, the Academy Award winner was unequivocal: “Oh Christ, no. I mean, I haven’t done it for more than 10 years, 12 years, so, no, I’m not doing it.” Clearly, Murphy’s powers of persuasion proved irresistible. Lange’s participation carries enormous significance—she anchored the inaugural 2011 season as intrusive neighbor Constance Langdon in what would be retroactively dubbed Murder House, setting the standard for every season that followed.
The casting also reunites Ariana Grande with her Scream Queens co-stars Emma Roberts and Billie Lourd. Grande, who played the ill-fated Chanel #2 in Murphy’s satirical slasher series, will finally join the AHS proper after years of fan speculation. Her inclusion alongside Roberts (Chanel Oberlin) and Lourd (Chanel #3) promises a reunion that devotees of Murphy’s razor-sharp comedy-horror hybrid have been craving.
Roberts remains one of Murphy’s most frequent collaborators, having recently starred in Delicate and previously terrorized audiences in Freak Show, Cult, Apocalypse, and 1984. Meanwhile, the indomitable duo of Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson—who have embodied countless characters since Murder House—return once again, having appeared in Asylum, Coven, Freak Show, Hotel, Roanoke, Cult, Apocalypse, and Double Feature.
Angela Bassett, who co-produces 9-1-1 with Murphy, brings her commanding presence back to the franchise after unforgettable turns in Coven (as the immortal Marie Laveau), Freak Show, Hotel, Roanoke, and Apocalypse.
With this extraordinary ensemble assembled, Season 13 promises to be a love letter to everything that has made American Horror Story appointment television for over a decade.
