Angela Bassett American Horror Story 13 is the comeback horror fans have waited years to see. The Emmy-winning actress returns as Marie Laveau, the voodoo queen she first brought to life in Coven, and the new season premieres tonight — Thursday, September 24 — on FX and Hulu with a three-episode launch.
On Wednesday night, Bassett joined co-stars Sarah Paulson, Emma Roberts, and Gabourey Sidibe at The Hotel Chelsea in New York for the season premiere. She stole the spotlight in a black gown with a sculpted neckline, finished with a sparkling skull-shaped clutch that fit the horror theme perfectly. Photos from the red carpet spread across fan accounts within hours. By Thursday morning, her name was climbing Google’s trending searches in the United States.
Why Angela Bassett’s return to American Horror Story 13 is a big deal
Bassett last appeared in the franchise in 2018, when she reprised Marie Laveau in Apocalypse after her breakout turn in Coven. The character — a centuries-old voodoo queen locked in a rivalry with the witches of Miss Robichaux’s Academy — became one of the show’s most beloved figures. So when FX’s first teaser named Laveau among the returning characters, longtime viewers had plenty to celebrate.
Creator Ryan Murphy has described the new season as an Avengers-style crossover that draws on the show’s entire history. Expect threads from Murder House, Asylum, Coven, Freak Show, and Cult to collide as familiar faces unite against what Murphy calls an “ultimate evil.” The format is unusually ambitious: 13 half-hour episodes, with three arriving tonight, three more next Thursday, and two per week after that until the finale on October 29.
Marie Laveau joins the biggest American Horror Story 13 cast yet
The reunion lineup reads like a greatest-hits album. Sarah Paulson takes on six or seven roles, Evan Peters plays five characters, and Jessica Lange — who had previously said she was done with the show — returns to portray four of her best-known figures, including Constance Langdon. Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Leslie Grossman, and Gabourey Sidibe round out the returning veterans.
There are fresh faces as well, including Madelaine Petsch, Alex Consani, Avantika, Mena Suvari, and filmmaker John Waters. One much-discussed casting did not work out: Ariana Grande exited the season because of a scheduling clash with her Eternal Sunshine tour. Murphy has said he would welcome her back in a future season, so fans should not give up hope.
From Marie Laveau to Wakanda: Angela Bassett’s big week
The AHS premiere is not the only reason Bassett is making headlines. In a recent interview, she shared her reaction to David Jonsson stepping into the Black Panther role for Black Panther 3. Bassett said she “cannot wait” to see his portrayal and described herself as “over the moon” about the casting news.
Jonsson, best known for Alien: Romulus, will play Prince T’Challa II — the son of T’Challa and Nakia — in the film Ryan Coogler is directing for a December 15, 2028 release. Letitia Wright returns as Shuri alongside Winston Duke as M’Baku.
Bassett’s bond with the Marvel universe runs deep. Her turn as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever earned her an Academy Award nomination — the first acting nomination for any performer in a Marvel film. The nod followed her honorary Oscar in 2024. As a result, every word she shares about the franchise’s future carries real weight. It is also a huge weekend for Marvel fans overall, with the Avengers: Endgame Encore re-release hitting theaters and teasing new Avengers: Doomsday footage.
Sorting fact from rumor
With all this attention, a few false stories have started circulating. A viral “R.I.P.” post claimed the actress had died, and another suggested she was about to retire from acting. Neither is true. Bassett appeared in public at the AHS 13 premiere on September 23 and is actively promoting the new season. The death and retirement reports are hoaxes, and fans can safely dismiss them.
How to watch American Horror Story 13 tonight
The season premieres Thursday, September 24, at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on FX, with episodes streaming on Hulu (premiere details). Viewers outside the United States can catch it on Disney+. Tonight’s launch delivers three episodes, so it makes a perfect spooky-season binge. In addition, it is a stacked week for screens overall — The Love Hypothesis movie arrived on Prime Video just yesterday.
So here is the big question: will Marie Laveau steal the season again? If the fan reaction to Bassett’s red-carpet return is any indication, the voodoo queen still reigns. Are you planning to watch tonight? Tell us which returning character you are most excited to see.