John Waters, the cult director and writer known for his distinctive style, has revealed that he will appear in the 13th season of Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story. Waters made this announcement at a spoken word event held recently in his hometown of Baltimore, where he shared excitement about his involvement in the show’s next installment.
Waters hinted at the significance of his role without revealing specific details, saying,
“I’m going to announce tonight something new: I can’t say what role, but I have a big new part in American Horror Story,”
as he addressed the audience at Baltimore Soundstage.
Expected Season Details and Returning Cast
Ryan Murphy first teased the 13th season of American Horror Story last Halloween, with plans for its release to coincide with this year’s Halloween season. Production is set to begin soon, and the anticipation is building among fans and cast alike. Season 13 features many familiar faces returning, including Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Billie Lourd, Leslie Grossman, Emma Roberts, Gabourey Sidibe, and Jessica Lange, despite her previous statement that she would not return to the series.
This new season also welcomes singer Ariana Grande, who will make her American Horror Story debut, adding a fresh presence to the ensemble.
Speculation is rife that Season 13 will have connections to the third season, Coven, given the number of returning actors who appeared in that storyline. Many viewers are wondering if this could mark the show’s final chapter, as there is no confirmation yet regarding a 14th season.

John Waters’ Legacy in Film and Television
Known as the self-styled “Pope of Trash,” John Waters has built a career marked by provocative filmmaking and unforgettable characters. His acclaimed works include writing and directing cult classics like Pink Flamingos, Hairspray, and Serial Mom. He has also taken on acting roles in his own films and in various horror productions such as Blood Feast 2: All U Can Eat (2002), Seed of Chucky (2004), and Suburban Gothic (2014).
Waters is no stranger to collaborations with Ryan Murphy, having portrayed filmmaker William Castle in Murphy’s 2017 FX series Feud: Bette and Joan. His screen presence has extended to appearances on shows like the recent Chucky series and multiple episodes of Law & Order.
Expressing fondness for his television roles, Waters told the Baltimore crowd,
“I’ve been on Law and Order lots of times and I love being on it. I get such great residuals. They show Law and Order over and over and over. There are whole channels that just play that.”
– John Waters, Filmmaker and Actor
During his announcement, Waters joked about being typecast in certain roles:
“I’m typecast. I’m always either the devil or Chucky’s father… I’ve always been trying to steal Vincent Price’s career.”
– John Waters, Filmmaker and Actor
Anticipation Builds for Season 13’s Release
The upcoming season of American Horror Story remains shrouded in mystery, but with the return of many beloved cast members and the addition of John Waters, expectations are high. The potential link to the Coven storyline further intensifies fan interest, suggesting a possible thematic return or closure. Ryan Murphy’s consistent ability to blend horror, drama, and social commentary promises another compelling chapter.
With filming starting soon and a release planned around Halloween, viewers can look forward to a season that could deliver both nostalgia and fresh scares. Whether Season 13 will conclude the series or pave the way for more seasons remains to be seen, but the combination of familiar talents and new faces is set to generate significant excitement.

