10 Actors Who Could Replace Jessica Lange On “American Horror Story”
Jessica Lange has agreed to one more season of American Horror Story—no doubt as another powerful, vengeance-fueled Southern diva with a sordid past—and then we’re losing her as a series regular.
No one could truly replace Lange, no matter what bizarre theme Ryan Murphy comes up with for AHS Season 5. And yet someone has to. Here are a 10 stars fierce and fabulous enough to fill her razor-sharp stilettos.
10 Actors Who Could Step Into American Horror Story After Jessica Lange Leaves
Angela Bassett
She’s already been asked back as a guest for Season 4, but it’s clear based on the searing intensity she brings to the screen that she’d be more than adequate as AHS's driving force. In fact, we’d be happy if she returned as Marie Leveau every season, regardless of time or place.
Anjelica Huston
Having already tackled the role of Supreme, a.k.a. The Witches' Grand High Witch (and, to a lesser extent, Smash, The Addams Family and even The Grifters), Ms. Huston's primed to pick up wherever Lange leaves off.
Heather Locklear
Though not particularly renowned for her range, Locklear has a history of diving into shows in need of life support. Season 5 could take place in a haunted apartment complex, with her as the hyper-bitchy new landlord.
Neil Patrick Harris
How I Met Your Mother has to go off the air eventually, and we owe it to NPH to keep him gainfully employed between awards-show hosting duties.
Tilda Swinton
She’s an Oscar winner. And also a ghost-alien-demon-creature.
Michelle Yeoh
Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) shouldn’t be forced to play martial artists ALL the time. That said, if she high-kicks a hellhound or zombie into submission, would that be so bad?
Marcia Cross
The years spent sharpening her features to a fine point will have been worth it if Cross lands this part.
Carrie-Anne Moss
Her career was going strong after The Matrix and its sequels, and then all of sudden Moss was relegated to guest roles on mediocre series. Maybe instead of turning to an established scene-chewer, we could release someone’s untapped diva potential?
Sissy Spacek
She’s not as domineering as others on this list, but Spacek's an Academy Award winner and a veteran of one of horror’s most iconic offerings. It would be a very different show in her hands, but still an exceptional one.
Lara Flynn Boyle
No script needed. They'd just follow her around L.A. with a camera and call it American Horror Story: Lara Flynn Boyle.