Ryan Murphy has clarified that the 13th season of "American Horror Story" is not a direct sequel to the popular "Coven" instalment, despite fan speculation fuelled by set photos showing cast members dressed as witches. Instead, he says the season brings together characters from across the anthology series' history, with returning stars playing multiple past roles as they unite against a common threat. This matters because it explains why several long-reluctant original cast members finally agreed to return, and sets up a markedly different, larger-scale format for the show's milestone 13th season.

Speaking at the premiere of his new series "The Shards", Murphy told Entertainment Tonight that Sarah Paulson will play six or seven characters, Jessica Lange will reprise all four of her previous roles, and Evan Peters will take on five parts, alongside Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd and Angela Bassett, who is also returning. He likened the format to "the Avengers", with familiar characters joining forces to defeat "the ultimate evil" across 13 episodes, in keeping with the season's title, "13". New cast members Paul Anthony Kelly, John Waters and Joey Pollari will also feature, though Ariana Grande has dropped out due to touring commitments. The season premieres on FX and Hulu on 24 September.