American Horror Story: Cult Teaser Trailer Revealed—Plus Who's In, Out and Everything in Between

AHS returns Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 10 p.m. on FX

By Chris Harnick Jul 21, 2017 3:32 PMTags

Forget the bees and the clowns (well, really you can't), American Horror Story season seven is "not COLONY," Ryan Murphy tweeted before the reveal. "It's not HIVE. It's not ANN COULTER."

It's American Horror Story: Cult. The new season kicks off earlier than usual, this time on Tuesday. Season seven premieres Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 10 p.m. on FX.

Murphy revealed the new theme, and then FX launched a creepy as hell site where you can get updates. There are clowns and bees involved. Is it a clown and bee cult? Is it a Twisty the Clown cult? Is the Oprah Winfrey' "BEES!" GIF involved somehow? So many questions.

photos
American Horror Story Characters Ranked (By Actor) From Worst to Best

"Here we go: AHS7 CULT," Sarah Paulson tweeted. "S--t goes down. Woof." The show's official Twitter account revealed the teaser trailer. Warning, there are lots of clowns involved. Lots. Of. Clowns.

After the title reveal, Murphy then took to Twitter to reveal even more details. Are you ready?

The Title

The title for season seven is American Horror Story: Cult, but perhaps it should be Cults, because the season will explore multiple cults throughout history, focusing on a new one that arises after the results of the 2016 election. 

The Setting

Murphy revealed the 11-episode season will be set in Michigan. He previously revealed it takes place the night of the 2016 presidential election. The co-creator previously told E! News it would be a "very, very scary" modern story, yet "fun" and "topical."

Evan Peters Returns

And it's his busiest season yet! He'll be playing the leader of the main cult that rises up after the 2016 election, as well as five other cult leaders from history, including Charles Manson, David Koresh, Andy Warhol, and Jim Jones, according to Ryan Murphy. 

Peters as Warhol

Speaking of Peters' turn as the famed pop artist Andy Warhol, creator Ryan Murphy shared an Instagram photo of the actor in his costume on Thursday, Oct. 5, and the resemblance is damn near uncanny. "Evan Peters or Andy Warhol?" Murphy asked. Good question.

Sarah Paulson Is Obviously Back

Murphy quickly revealed Sarah Paulson would be in season seven, which is generally a forgone conclusion. She's one of the leads. After he announced the title, Murphy revealed Paulson's character is named Ally. She's married to Allison Pill's character Ivy, and she does not take well to the results of the 2016 election. 

Alison Pill

Alison Pill, a newcomer to the cast, stars as Ivy Mayfair-Richards, the wife of Sarah Paulson's Ally Mayfair-Richards, with whom she owns a restaurant. 

Cheyenne Jackson

AHS veteran Cheyenne Jackson is Dr. Rudy Vincent, a therapist. 

Billy Eichner

Known for comedies Parks and RecreationDifficult People and his own show, Billy on the StreetBilly Eichner is going dramatic for the new season of AHS. He'll appear as Harrison Wilton, a neighbor of Sarah Paulson's character. 

Billie Lourd

Scream Queens star jumps to AHS as Winter Anderson, the new nanny of Sarah Paulson and Allison Pill's characters. 

Colton Haynes

Teen Wolf and Scream Queens veteran Colton Haynes will appear in AHS: Cult as Detective Samuels. 

Leslie Grossman joins the cast

Leslie Grossman, who worked with Murphy on Popular, re-teams with the creator for AHS: Cult. "My friend Leslie Grossman is joining this season of American Horror Story. One of the funniest and most talented ladies I know. Congrats Ms Leslie G," Murphy posted on Instagram. She plays one of Ally and Ivy's neighbors. 

Lena Dunham will guest star

Lena Dunham will guest star in AHS: Cult, making it her first TV gig since Girls wrapped up. Murphy tweeted about her involvement, saying, "Thrilled that my talented friend Lena Dunham is joining the AMERICAN HORROR STORY family. Always wanted to work together, and now we r!" 

Dunham will appear in episode seven as Valerie Solanas, the woman who tried to shoot Andy Warhol. 

Adina Porter is back

American Horror Story: Roanoke breakout Adina Porter is back in the fold, playing a news reporter. 

Emma Roberts

Bet you thought you'd seen the last of her, but of course you haven't Roberts will be back as news reporter Serena Belinda, who gets promoted over Adina Porter's character "simply because she's much more superficial and willing to do what it takes to survive," according to Murphy. 

Frances Conroy Returns

AHS veteran Frances Conroy will be back in some form or another. She previously appeared in seasons one, two, three, four and six and played everything from a cannibal hillbilly to the Angel of Death to the iconic Myrtle Snow.

Mare Winningham Returns

Mare Winningham, a veteran of AHS: Coven, Freak Show and Hotel, will be back in some form or another. Murphy revealed her involvement on Twitter and teased there will be more familiar faces back in the fold as well.

Twisty's Also Back Whether We Want Him or Not

Did you miss the homicidal clown played by John Carroll Lynch on Freak Show? No? Too bad. Twisty's presence will clearly be felt, as evidenced by all those clowns. Murphy also revealed a behind-the-scenes photo of a Twisty comic book.

No Gaga

Lady Gaga, who starred in American Horror Story: Hotel and appeared in American Horror story: Roanoke, will not be in season seven.

Jessica Lange is missed

OK, this isn't exactly about American Horror Story: Cult, but Sarah Paulson was asked by a fan on Twitter if she missed Jessica Lange, her costar for the first four seasons. And Paulson's answer? It's going to break your heart: "More than I can say," she responded. No, you're crying.

MORE PHOTOS: American Horror Story characters—ranked!

But there's one thing we don't know: Who is the woman in the photo at top of this story? Why is she among the clowns? Tell us your theories below.

American Horror Story: Cult premieres Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 10 p.m. on FX.