Spare a thought for those nursing an irrational fear of clowns – or coulrophobia, if we’re going by the official term.
Between the demented Pennywise (It) and FX’s forthcoming American Horror Story: Cult, those gleeful tricksters have been fuelling nightmares for weeks, and as each property begins to stage its final push ahead of release, evidence continues to mount for Twisty’s involvement in AHS‘ seventh season.
Originally played by John Carroll Lynch in AHS: Freak Show, series showrunner Ryan Murphy sent the rumor mill into overdrive last month after posting an ominous picture of Twisty: The Clown Chronicles, along with the caption, “he’s baaaack.” And if that isn’t firm confirmation, we don’t know what is.
Adding fuel to the fire today is a new clue unearthed by Bloody Disgusting. Included as part of a viral marketing campaign, the AHS faithful managed to unlock a new piece of content over on the AHS: Cult website, which features a script of two people discussing Twisty and his wicked ways.
Could this signal the return of John Carroll Lynch’s terrifying clown? Or will AHS place a new actor/actress in Twisty’s oversized shoes? Time will tell.
Meanwhile, we know this season’s casting docket includes five big-name additions: Cheyenne Jackson as Dr. Rudy Vincent, Billie Lourd as Winter Anderson, Colton Haynes as Detective Samuels, Alison Pill as Ivy Mayfair-Richards and Billy Eichner as Harrison Wilton. Beyond that, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Lena Dunham, Emma Roberts, Frances Conroy, Mare Winningham, Adina Porter and Leslie Grossman are also on board for a series that’s said to be inspired by the 2016 Presidential Election.
Comprised of 11 episodes in total, American Horror Story: Cult begins on September 5th sans Kathy Bates, who has parted ways with FX’s anthology series following a triumphant three-year spell.