The new season of American Horror Story, which is called American Horror Story: 1984, is clearly drawing some inspiration from the classic slasher movies of the '80s – which means this is, by far, the most interesting and appealing this show has ever been to me.
But just when AHS is catching my attention more than ever, a couple of its biggest stars are taking a step back.
Evan Peters, who has been in all eight previous seasons, will not be in 1984. Similarly, Variety has now heard that Sarah Paulson, who was in all eight seasons and usually had a major role (and earned five Emmy nominations along the way), "will not appear in a significant role" in this season.
Variety warns that fans shouldn't expect "to see much, if any" of Paulson in 1984, and notes that she "could appear in a cameo". Why is she going to miss out on this season? It looks like scheduling issues:
Paulson is currently filming the upcoming FX series “Mrs. America,” about the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. She will continue working with Murphy on the upcoming Netflix series “Ratched,” which tells the origin story of the notorious Nurse Ratched from “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” That series has received a two-season commitment. On the film side, Paulson will star in the Lionsgate-produced “Run,” while she will also appear in the drama “The Goldfinch” and animated film “Abominable,” the latter two of which will both be released in September.
So far the only confirmed cast members for American Horror Story: 1984 are Emma Roberts and Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy, who will be playing Roberts' boyfriend.
This new season of American Horror Story will begin airing on FX on September 18th.