It’s almost time to hide behind pillows and sleep with the light on; Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story returns to our screens October 17, subtitled with Asylum, and we are beyond excited here in the office. So, what do we know so far?

Obviously, having Asylum added to the title is rather a large clue, taking place in 1964 at Briarcliff Manor, an institution for the criminally insane… expect manic laughing unpredictable behaviour from inmates and ‘alternative’ methods of treatment. And, just to make sure that there is something for everyone, there are themes of Nazis, religion, aliens, rape and serial killers. Wonderful.

There is still little information to be had, with regards to the new series, but that doesn’t mean that the internet isn’t alight with rumours, guesses and fan-made trailers. But, it isn’t as if there has been zero activity from the guys behind AHS, no, the last month has seen a trickle of intriguing teasers being passed around Facebook and, even more excitingly, the cast were finally revealed and, wow, joining them, there are some famous faces.

So who is who? Well, we have those that are, thankfully, returning:

  

Jessica Lange as Sister Jude, a sadistic nun who runs the Manor alongside Joseph Fiennes and James Cromwell, who carries her own personal demons.

  

Zachery Quinto as Dr. Thredson, a forward-thinking scientist who conflicts with Sister Jude’s methods.

  

Sarah Paulson as Lana, a reporter whose sexuality gets her committed to Briarcliff.

  

Lily Rabe as Sister Eunice, who acts as Lange’s second-in-command but appears to have her own motives.

Frances Conroy – character to be confirmed and is said to be the ‘ultimate angel’, a far cry from her role as the house keeper in season one.

  

Evan Peters as a man who is suspected of killing his wife but he claims he was abducted by aliens.

Familiar and new faces that will be joining the cast are:

  

James Cromwell as an ex-Nazi who works with Lange and Fiennes. 

  

Joseph Fiennes as a fallen Monignor Timothy O’Hara who works alongside Lange and is the sexual object of her desires. (which is no surprise there)

  

Adam Levine as Leo, who character has been referred as one of ‘the lovers’…

Jenna Dewan as Teresa

  

Chloe Sevigny as Shelly the Nymphomaniac… need I say more on that?

Mark Consuelos as Spivey, a social degenerate.

  

Jenna Dewan as Teresa but little is known about her character. But, what is known, is that she is hottie.

Clea DuVall – unknown

Lizzie Brochere, a newcomer reportedly called Grace

Franka Potente - unknown

Britne Oldford, known for her role in MTV’s Skins and as a girl called Alma.

Ok, so we have the main and supporting cast and what we know bout them so far. We’ve been working on our own theories of what is going to happen but the best thing we can do is wait.

Then, more light was shed when spooky, if not down right scary, teaser trailers started to appear on line. From buckets of meat, to tied up women and pill popping patients… there is a lot to think about here. Get ready for a fright.

As well as these above teasers, we were given an insight into the asylum and a hint towards the nature of some of the cast members. Chloe is seen in lingerie, rolling around in her sexed up glory, Sarah Paulson self-harming due to her lesbian ‘sins’ and Lizzie Brochere holding on to a male. OHHH this is all too exciting to bear!

Other info which has just been revealed are the titles for the first two episodes, ‘Welcome to Briarcliff’ and ‘Tricks and Treats’, the latter clearly getting us in the Halloween spirit and ready for their Halloween special…. It just keeps getting better.

Even co-creator Ryan Murphy, who was raised as Irish Catholic, has been getting excited; creating a buzz on Twitter about the return of his 17 Emmy Award nominated hit show and stating that he has more personal links to the second season than the previous, stating that, "I'm just writing what I would like to see. I'm scared of aliens and I'm scared of Nazis and I'm scared of nuns. So it's the perfect stew of horror and fear."

 

And that’s what we’ve got so far. Character clues, teaser trailers and one very excited co-creator. Now, all we have to do is wait to see what else emerges on the internet… covers at the ready!

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Written by Ben Taylor