At a Glance
- Ariana Grande will star opposite Evan Peters in season 13 of “American Horror Story,” premiering Halloween 2026
- Peters calls the Grammy winner “an incredible performer and actress” and says her casting is “gonna be awesome”
- Peters has not yet read scripts for the new season but is “curious” how creator Ryan Murphy will use Grande’s talents
- While waiting for AHS, Peters reunites with Murphy for “The Beauty,” premiering Jan. 21 on Hulu and FX
- Why it matters: Two of Murphy’s most bankable stars-Peters and Grande-are joining forces, signaling a high-stakes season for the long-running anthology
Evan Peters is ready to hand Ariana Grande the keys to the “American Horror Story” universe. The Emmy-winning actor, who has fronted multiple installments of Ryan Murphy’s FX anthology, praised the pop superstar’s upcoming debut in season 13, set for Halloween 2026.
Peters Praises Grande’s Range
“What doesn’t she bring to the cast?” Peters told Olivia M. Hartwell in an exclusive interview. “She’s an incredible performer and actress, and I think that’s gonna be awesome to have her on board.”
The two previously shared the screen in Grande’s “we can’t be friends” music video, but the forthcoming season marks their first scripted television collaboration. Grande, who logged an early Murphy credit in 2015’s “Scream Queens,” will appear alongside returning AHS veterans Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates and Emma Roberts.
Peters, who has played a spectrum of characters from a tortured ghost to serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, admitted he has “no idea” what Murphy has planned for Grande. “I haven’t read anything yet, so I’m curious what it’s gonna be, what it’s gonna have her doing. It’s exciting.”
Murphy’s Midas Touch
While fans wait for season 13, Peters is already back in the Murphy fold with “The Beauty,” a genre-bending thriller that drops Jan. 21 at 9 p.m. ET on Hulu and FX. The show stars Ashton Kutcher and Rebecca Hall in a dystopian world where a mysterious procedure grants physical perfection at a chilling cost.
Peters plays an FBI agent tasked with dismantling the corporation behind the beauty trade. He described the series as “an international sci-fi satirical body horror action thriller,” adding that the “really long action sequences” sealed the deal for him.
Beyond the adrenaline, Peters credits Murphy’s collaborative spirit for his repeat appearances. “He’s just an incredible collaborator,” the actor said. “As strong as his vision is, he’s willing to take ideas in and try them, and you definitely get to have some say.”
Peters slipped in a pun while summing up the partnership: “That’s the beauty of it.”
AHS Season 13 Stakes
Season 13 will arrive more than two years after season 12, the longest gap in the franchise’s history. The extended production window has amplified expectations, especially with Grande’s casting. Her social-media reach-372 million Instagram followers-brings a fresh demographic to the horror anthology, while Peters provides continuity for longtime viewers.
The season’s Halloween 2026 premiere date keeps with Murphy’s tradition of debuting new installments in October, though the two-year lag underscores the scale of the upcoming chapter.
What’s Next
Peters remains tight-lipped on plot details but promises “classic Murphy twists.” Grande has not spoken publicly about her role, though her previous work with Murphy on “Scream Queens” suggests a comfort with dark comedy and camp.
Until cameras roll, Peters is busy promoting “The Beauty,” which he hopes will tide fans over. “I’m excited to see what’s gonna be in the season,” he said of AHS. “It’s exciting.”
Key Takeaways
- Grande’s AHS debut pairs her with Peters, Murphy’s most prolific leading man
- Peters has yet to read scripts, heightening secrecy around the new season
- “The Beauty” marks Peters’ latest Murphy partnership ahead of AHS’s 2026 return
