Ryan Murphy says American Horror Story season 13 casting depends on story progression and actor availability, but did not specify which explains Taissa Farmiga’s absence. Jessica Lange, Angela Bassett, Sarah Paulson and Billie Lourd are among the returning stars.
Farmiga appeared in seasons 1, 3 and 6 as Violet Harmon, Zoe Benson and Sophie Green, and returned as Violet in season 8. Writer-producer Ned Martel said there were other fan favorites the team could have brought back, but time was limited. Denis O’Hare said he was not asked to return; Lily Rabe is not among the season’s announced cast.
Ariana Grande had been announced for the season but dropped out because of a scheduling conflict with her tour. Murphy said her involvement would have coincided with an apparently abandoned plan to bring in cast members from Scream Queens. Season 13 premieres Sept. 24 on FX and Hulu.
