Before we even jump into the details, it’s necessary to point out that this is a serious rumor. In fact, it comes from IMDb user acrazey57 (via Bloody Disgusting) who has a thing for sharing “alternative” and “dream" casts.
Now that you know what we’re getting into, acrazey57 shared an American Horror Story: Hotel character breakdown and while it probably isn't the real deal, it is interesting. At this point, we know that Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Lady Gaga, Chloë Sevigny, Wes Bentley, Matt Bomer and Cheyenne Jackson are all on board, but this list also brings back AHS vets Kathy Bates, Finn Wittrock, Lily Rabe, Angela Bassett, Denis O’Hare, Frances Conroy, Grace Gummer, Michael Chiklis and Christine Estabrook as well as possible newcomers Michelle Pfeiffer, Alexander Skarsgård, Tammy Blanchard and Steven Weber.
That’s a big list right there. Sure, AHS is know for its epic ensembles, but that might be a bit too much for the show to handle - story-wise and financially. But could you imagine a new season that brings back AHS powerhouses like Bates, Wittrock, Bassett, O’Hare and Conroy and then also adds Pfeiffer and Skarsgård?
On top of that, look at these roles. The standout is definitely Paulson as Janis Joplin. When her casting was announced, Ryan Murphy dubbed her character "the baddest bad girl of them all," so perhaps he was referring to Joplin breaking the mold and paving the way for female rock artists? Maybe it's a stretch but overall, whether this is a real character breakdown or not, it’s a pretty well cast list. In fact, I can totally picture O’Hare playing the hotel bartender, Conroy as a Marilyn Monroe wannabe and also really enjoy the Estabrook/realtor nod to AHS: Murder House.
If this list is real, I’d be quite pleased, but it does seem like a major long shot that an IMDb user who’s made “dream casts” before would happen to get ahold of an official character breakdown. Assuming there’s still some serious wiggle room here, how about we add a concierge clerk to the roster? Perhaps Zachary Quinto or Neil Patrick Harris? And how about some kitchen staff? The opening of AHS: Asylum’s “Unholy Night” is easily one of the best sequences of the entire series. I say let Ian McShane step in as the head chef and bring back Alexandra Breckenridge to handle room service. Perhaps they could make a more convincing dubious duo than Stanley and Maggie (Emma Roberts) did last season.
Check out the rumored American Horror Story: Hotel roster for yourself below and tell us what you think. Are you into this list? Want to add anyone?
Evan Peters as The Prowler
Peters, who has been a cast-member of the “AHS” since the first season will be seen as a mysterious young man that hangs around the hotel and dark alley ways.
Sara Paulson as Janis Joplin
Paulson has also played prominent roles in all the “AHS” seasons. In “Hotel” she will portray a rock-star who checks into the hotel, unaware of the terrifying events that await her.
Kathy Bates as Claudia DeVeau
Bates plays a devoted agent of Janis who will do absolutely anything in her power to keep Janis’ name untainted.
Finn Wittrock as Chap Newton
Newton is a happily engaged man, who out of some bad luck, decides to spend a night at the Hotel.
Michelle Pfeiffer as Martina McBride
The acclaimed actress would play the role of the Hotel’s previous owner Martina McBride.
Lily Rabe as Annabelle Evergreen
Rabe will play the current owner of the “Hotel”, who is slowly losing her sanity, thanks to the supernatural events that occur there.
Alexander Skarsgård as Joshua Evergreen
Joshua Evergreen is the supportive and loving husband of the young Hotel-owner Annabelle.
Angela Bassett as Lolita Jones
Bassett plays a jazz singer who regularly performs at the bar of the “Hotel”.
Denis O’Hare as Leo Maxwell
Maxwell, who is another known figure among “AHS” fans, will play the role of a bartender at the Hotel, who is a very close friend of Lolita.
Lady Gaga as Elisa Starr
Gaga plays the role of a popular lounge singer, who is pitted against Lolita and is always competing with her for popularity.
Matt Bomer as Terry Castro
Bomer plays a tedious bellboy who is always on the look-out for trouble and keeps an eye out for everyone.
Tammy Blanchard as Theresa Faulkner
Theresa Faulkner is the strict and bitter head maid of the Hotel who secretly has the habit of peeping in on the guests.
Frances Conroy as Maude Madelyn
Conroy’s Maude Madelyn is an imitator of Marilyn Monroe. She has an affinity for younger men and murder.
Cheyenne Jackson as Thomas Seabras
Seabras is a bellboy of the Hotel who loves to gossip and is seen engaging in strange and suspicious behavior.
Grace Gummer as Emma Lam
Emma Lam is a maid at the hotel who is seen engaging in strange activities.
Wes Bentley as Father Dominic Deon
Father Deon is a happy-go-lucky leader of a group who is as curious as they are religious.
Donald Sutherland as Father Abner Gates
Father Gates is a priest that tries to cleanse the Hotel of its impurities and bad spirits. However, his efforts end very badly.
Steven Weber as Ray Ottoman
Weber’s Ottoman is a Hotel inspector, who is despised by the Hotel staff
Chloë Sevigny as Lois Deon
A woman with a dark past, who is now living seemingly happy as a homemaker.
Michael Chiklis as Dr Nelson Brackett
Dr Brackett is an intelligent scientist who is out of work and is desperate to find a job soon.
Christine Estabrook as Abigail White
White is a realtor of the Hotel.
