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Ryan Murphy confirms American Horror Story season 13 is 'Avengers'-style crossover as legendary stars play roster of characters from "every season"
Did you see this coming?
Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
- Louise Griffin
Published: Tuesday, 28 July 2026 at 10:34 am
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Everything we thought we knew about American Horror Story season 13 has just been upended by showrunner Ryan Murphy.
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The long-awaited next instalment of the anthology series was supposedly going to be a follow-up of beloved instalment Coven, with the show's many returning stars recently being spotted filming in their signature witchy outfits.
However, Murphy has debunked that report, confirming that AHS season 13 will be an "Avengers" style crossover, bringing in every past season, with various stars playing multiple roles.
He told Entertainment Tonight: "Everybody thinks it's a Coven season and it's not. It's all the seasons. So Sarah Paulson is playing six or seven roles. Jessica Lange is playing all four of her iconic characters. Evan Peters is playing five characters. And of course Kathy Bates and Emma Roberts and Billie Lourde."
Murphy added: "It is like The Avengers! Where they all come together to defeat the ultimate evil."
Just how exactly that's going to come to life on screen remains to be seen remains to be seen – but it's certainly going to be interesting.
Emma Roberts, Frances Conroy, Gabourey Sidibe, Sarah Paulson, Leslie Grossman, Avantika Vandanapu and Alex Consani on the set of American Horror Story season 13. They're all dressed in black clothing, posing for the camera. Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
The showrunner also confirmed that season 13 will (very aptly) consist of 13 episodes, making it one of the longer seasons of the show.
American Horror Story season 13, which is set for release on 24 September, will see the return of more iconic past cast members including Angela Bassett, Gabourey Sidibe and Leslie Grossman.
However, Ariana Grande, who was due to star in the show, was forced to drop out due to the schedules conflicting with her Eternal Sunshine tour.
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The synopsis for AHS season 13 reads: “An unrivaled 13th instalment that will do justice to everyone’s most feared number. Bringing together an all-star cast, many of whom are reprising fan favourite roles, American Horror Story: 13 continues to build on the anthology’s decades-long legacy that has been streamed more than 700 million hours across the globe and spawned a legion of dedicated fans.
"American Horror Story has redefined the genre with various instalments featuring a creepy murder house, a coven of witches, a traveling freak show, a haunted hotel and the apocalypse itself.
"Which iconic horrors will return to haunt the hallowed halls of 13 and what new terrors await? Light your candles, draw your pentagrams and prepare for a supreme surprise.”
American Horror story will begin on FX on 24 September and will be available to stream internationally on Disney+.
Previous seasons are available to stream now on Disney+ in the UK – sign up to Disney Plus from £4.99 a month or £79.90 a year now.
Add American Horror Story to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
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Authors
Louise GriffinSci-Fi and Fantasy Editor
Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.
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