Another major American Horror Story star has confirmed they’re not returning for 1984.
Sarah Paulson, who has appeared on the critically-acclaimed horror series since its first season Murder House, will not appear for its upcoming ninth instalment, according to sources at Variety.
The American actress has received widespread praise for her work on the show, garnering five Emmy Award nominations (with no win – can you believe?) and two wins at the Critics Choice Television Awards.
She follows AHS veteran Evan Peters, who is also sitting this season out, and Billy on the Street star Billy Eichner, who had significant roles in the seventh (Cult) and eighth season (Apocalypse).
AHS fans were quick to slam the upcoming season for not featuring Sarah or Evan on Twitter (because it’s somehow Ryan Murphy’s fault), with some going as far to say they weren’t going to tune in.
“Sarah Paulson is leaving AHS… well it’s over,” said one fan while another wrote, “So you’re telling me there’s no Evan Peters, no Jessica Lange and now no Sarah Paulson in the new season of AHS?”
See all the reactions below.
The highly-anticipated follow-up to Apocalypse will premiere on FX on 18 September.
The ninth season of American Horror Story is sub-titled 1984, and it seems safe to assume that it will be set in the 1980s (duh), especially given the 80s slasher feel of the trailer, but beyond that we know very little.
What we do know is that previous cast member Emma Roberts will be back alongside Olympic freeskier Gus Kenworthy, who will be making his acting debut as Emma’s on-screen boyfriend.
Evan Peters, who’s starred in every season of the show since 2011, told GQ earlier this year that he wanted to take a “sabbatical” from AHS to focus on other endeavours because the series had taken an emotional toll on his mental health.
“I’m goofy, I’m silly, I like to have fun. I don’t like to yell and scream. I actually hate it. I think it’s disgusting and really awful, and it’s been a challenge for me. Horror Story sort of demanded that of me,” he said.
“It’s been all a massive stretch for me and really difficult to do. It’s hurting my soul and Evan as a person.
“There’s this massive amount of rage that’s been called upon from me, and the emotional stuff that’s been called on me for Pose has been heartbreaking, and I’m sick. I don’t feel good.”
We recently rounded up five of the best fan theories that we could totally see happening when AHS: 1984 arrives this Autumn – check them out here.
