Kathy Bates Officially Ruled Out Of American Horror Story: Cult

Kathy Bates and American Horror Story are going their separate ways.

After a three-year stint on FX’s beloved anthology series, one that included eye-catching performances in Freak Show and Roanoke – her turn as real-life socialite Madame Marie Delphine LaLaurie was a particularly memorable one – it’s been confirmed that the Oscar-winning actress won’t feature in American Horror Story: Cult whatsoever.

Word comes by way of The Hollywood Reporter (h/t Bloody Disgusting), which compiled an overview of Cult, its central themes, and all of the cast members on board. Turns out Bates isn’t listed alongside the likes of AHS mainstays Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson, as THR notes that the actress is committed to her upcoming Netflix comedy Disjointed, which is hailing from Chuck Lorre, creative mind behind Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, and the relatively short-lived Mike & Molly.

Stretching for 11 episodes in total, FX’s marketing blitz for American Horror Story: Cult is already underway, and in typically cryptic fashion, viewers have been cordially invited to pledge allegiance to the AHS Cult. In doing so, you’ll unlock a handful of equally cryptic teasers, which can be found on YouTube page AHS World – just be vigilante of spoilers.

Also starring Frances Conroy, Lena Dunham, Billy Eichner, Billie Lourd, Cheyenne Jackson, Adina Porter, Alison Pill, Colton Haynes, Mare Winningham, and Leslie Grossman, Cult is all set to become the seventh season of FX’s horror series, and we understand that the network has already mapped out plans for an eighth season further down the line. Rest assured, AHS‘ slot on the FX slate is safe…for now.

American Horror Story: Cult premieres September 5th, but will you be tuning in? Indeed, what are your thoughts on Kathy Bates’ absence? Drop your comments in the usual place.