Sarah Paulson Won’t Star on ‘American Horror Story: 1984’
Sarah Paulson will not star on the upcoming ninth season of “American Horror Story,” titled “American Horror Story: 1984,” TheWrap has learned.
The “AHS” alum has appeared on every previous season of the Ryan Murphy-created FX anthology series, usually in a leading role. For Season 8, titled “AHS: Apocalypse,” she played a total of three roles and also directed an episode. The only previous season in which Paulson did not have a significant part was the first, “Murder House.” She has been nominated for five Emmys for her roles on the series.
It is currently unclear if Paulson — who is currently filming Murphy’s upcoming Netflix series “Ratched,” in which she has the lead role — will appear on Season 9, set to premiere Sept. 18, at all and in what role.
FX, 20th Century Fox Television, and representatives for Paulson did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Also Read: 'American Horror Story: 1984' Gets Premiere Date From FX
In classic “AHS” fashion, we don’t know much about “1984,” with the only confirmed cast members being returning “AHS” star Emma Roberts and Olympic medalist Gus Kenworthy, a newcomer to the franchise who is playing her boyfriend. And now the news that Paulson will not be starring, of course.
“I will tell you nothing, except that I think it’s awesome,” executive producer Tim Minear told TheWrap last month. “I think it’s gonna be really scary but a lot of fun, like it always is. And that if you have a taste for ’80s horror, you’re in for a treat.”
When we asked if the decision to do a slasher-themed season was related to that particular brand of horror’s recent resurgence, thanks to movies like last year’s “Halloween” sequel and 2017’s “Happy Death Day,” Minear said probably not.
Also Read: 'American Horror Story: 1984' EP Says 'If You Have a Taste for '80s Horror, You're in for a Treat'
“Generally, Ryan [Murphy] is ahead of the zeitgeist as opposed to following it,” he told us. “So what I would say is that this has been an area that Ryan has talked about since I’ve known him and it’s just a real sweet spot for him. And I think it was time for him to do it.”
Variety first reported Paulson will not star on “AHS: 1984.”
“American Horror Story: 1984”: Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 10/9c.
'American Horror Story: 1984' Gets Premiere Date From FX
Patty Jenkins Shares New 'Wonder Woman 1984' Image to Mark 1-Year Countdown Until Release (Photo)
'American Horror Story: 1984' EP Says 'If You Have a Taste for '80s Horror, You're in for a Treat'