Today is a momentous day for American Horror Story fans. After several years away from the show, Jessica Lanage will be returning in the upcoming eighth season, American Horror Story: Apocalypse.
Sarah Paulson confirmed the news to reporters at the Television Critics Association press tour today (August 3). “Jessica will be returning as Constance in an episode that I’m going to direct,” she said, to audible gasps of joy in the Beverly Hilton’s ballroom. Constance Langdon was the very first character Lange ever played on the show, back in its first season in 2011. She’s since played three other characters, and her last appearance was in the Season 4 (Freak Show) finale.
As Ryan Murphy has previously confirmed, AHS Season 8 will be the long-awaited crossover between Season 1 (Murder House) and Season 3 (Coven). And Lange is not the only actor who's reprising her role from Murder House. During the TCA panel, all six actors present also confirmed the names of their Apocalypse characters: Leslie Grossman is Coco Saint Pierre Vanderbilt, Billie Lourd is Mallory, Adina Porter is Dinah Stevens, Emma Roberts is Madison Montgomery, and Kathy Bates is Ms. Meade. Sarah Paulson is playing three roles, because she is a queen: she's Venable, Cordelia (from Coven), and Billie Dean.
Asked about playing the iconic Madison again, Roberts promised plenty more meme-worthy moments: "Yesterday the director actually told me to play it bitchier, which I didn't think was possible!" she joked.
American Horror Story: Apocalypse will premiere on FX on September 12.
