The fifth season of American Horror Story is set to light up the small screen this October, and we've decided to take a look at the show, what we can expect from it and who's involved. With old faces on hiatus and new music superstars onboard, where will the show be going with Hotel?
Credit: FX/Entertainment Weekly
What's in the name?
American Horror Story is an anthology series, which means we get a different tale each time the show airs with different characters but a bunch of the same actors. This time round, the show is subtitled Hotel and unsurprisingly, that is where most of the action is going to take place.
Inspiration for the show has come from old hotel horror movies and even actual hotels in downtown Los Angeles, one in particular called The Cecil, where the death of 21-year-old Canadian student Elisa Lam took place. The young adult showed erratic behaviour on CCTV footage just hours before her death, and it was around this time that the show's writer began thinking about this series.
Will it be campy or horror?
Seasons three and four of American Horror Story have, whilst sticking to the horror theme, been quite campy for the most part, but creator Ryan Murphy says things are going back to basics with this new season.
Speaking to Deadline, Murphy explained: "The upcoming season that we're doing is much more horror-based; it's much more dark. It's about a theme and an idea that's very close to my heart that I've always wanted to do, that's a little bloodier and grislier I think than anything we've done before; it's straight horror this year.
"Murder House, I thought, was a very primal season because everybody's great fear is about the bogeyman under the bed in their house, and this feels similar to me in that when you check into a hotel, there are certain things beyond your control... Other people have the keys to your room; they can come in there. You're not exactly safe, it's a very unsettling idea."
Which actors are returning?
Sarah Paulson, Matt Bomer, Kathy Bates, Chloe Sevigny, Wes Bentley, Evan Peters, Finn Wittrock, Angela Bassett, Denis O'Hare, Mare Winningham and Lily Rabe will all be settling into new roles. Unfortunately, Jessica Lange is taking a break from the franchise and will not be included in this season - or so we've all been told. She has however more recently said she'd be interested in taking on a multi-episode arc rather than a lead role, so could Murphy shoe-horn her in?
Which new faces are joining the cast?
Lady Gaga is taking the lead role as the owner of the hotel, Countess Elizabeth. She's a rich socialite who loves art, fashion and drinking blood. With a huge plan that she sets out in the first episode of the season, she's going to be the driving force behind a lot of the horror we see.
Naomi Campbell, Max Greenfield, Cheyenne Jackson, Madchen Amick and Darren Criss have all also signed up in some capacity for roles on the show.
Tell us about the characters
Countess Elizabeth - She's the owner of Hotel Cortez, and is a deadly woman who enjoys a healthy sex life. As a dangerous creature, Lady Gaga says she's "extremely strong," having "been through so much. It's kind of impossible for anything to penetrate her."
Donovan - He's The Countess' lover of 20 years but finds himself tossed aside when Elizabeth meets a handsome male model. Bomer says of his character: "He's very interested in domesticity and sort of nesting and hunkering down and having her to himself every now and then, and that doesn't go over so well with her limitless hunger."
Will Drake - Cheyenne Jackson plays a fashion designer here in fron New York, arriving at the hotel with son Lachlan. Murphy says of the role: "He comes to the hotel and he is going to turn part of it into his atelier and of course he gets sucked up into the Countess." Foreshadowing, there?
John Lowe - Wes Bentley will play an LAPD detective this season, moving into the hotel to investigate a series of murders. His family includes pediatrician wife (Alex) who gets brought into the darkness of the establishment. Bentley says: "He has a family he loves very much but that is sort of falling apart. He struggles with a lot of things. It's clear most of what John struggles with is control.
Ramona Royale - As a film star who once had a romantic relationship with The Countess, Angela Bassett's character is out for revenge and will team up with Donovan to get it. Bassett explains: "They are powerful women at opposite sides and at odds with one another, each believing they're right."
Claudia - Naomi Campbell is onboard, but will her stay be a short one? She says of her character: "She's kind of outlandish. She thinks she's indestructible and nothing's going to hurt her." We wouldn't be so sure!
Iris - Donovan's mother Iris is played by Kathy Bates, working at the hotel so she can see her son on a day-to-day basis, even though he's repulsed by the sight of her. Bates explains: "Iris is overprotective with a capital O, especially now since her son is ill. She wants to be there every day to make sure he's all right, and she's very controlling in that way." So Donovan gets ill? Hmm...
Tristan - Fan favourite Finn Wittrock is back as a young male model who catches the eye of The Countess at a fashion show. Wittrock says: "I think he's hypersexual also. It makes him a prime candidate for the Countess' charms and he is very willingly seduced and then turned by her." Turned? Is The Countess really a vampire?
James March - Evan Peters' character this year will be seen in flashbacks, where he plays murderous Mr. March. Peters explains: "He's the builder and owner of the hotel from the 1930s, and he is unique. He's designed a hotel to cater to his specific needs, which tend toward the dark evil."
Gabriel - Max Greenfield's first role is an addict who checks into the hotel for an unforgettable experience no drug has ever given him. Greenfield says: "He's a Hollywood junkie. Originally, he had a job and was more preppy or business. And Ryan [Murphy] came back and was like, 'I think we should be more rock and roll.'"
Hypodermic Sally - Sarah Paulson is really transforming for this season, taking on the role of another junkie who lives at the hotel. "She's selfish," says Paulson. "She will put a stiletto in your face if it means she can get what she needs. But she's also like a broken rag doll."
Where are the video teasers?
Here and below! They're quite scary, so make sure you've got a light on if you're easily frightened... Oh, and all except the first are only available if you're in the US, otherwise you'll have to find a kind uploader who's ripped them so everyone can enjoy!
American Horror Story: Hotel comes to FX in the US on October 7, following in the UK on FOX on October 20.
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