‘American Horror Story: Freak Show’ adds Michael Chiklis; Gabourey Sidibe to return

There is so much great “American Horror Story: Freak Show” news breaking out of PaleyFest on Friday, but the biggest revelation was that another star of an iconic FX show in “The Shield” was going to be joining Ryan Murphy and company for this new batch of episodes: Michael Chiklis.

In what may be the most high-profile casting of a male actor on the show to date, Chiklis made a surprise appearance at the panel to help celebrate the big announcement. He was joined at the event by Gabourey Sidibe and Jamie Brewer (confirmed to be returning, as well, even for just a small role), Sarah Paulson, Emma Roberts, Evan Peters, Frances Conroy, Denis O’Hare, Angela Bassett, and another surprise attendee in Kathy Bates. (Kathy in front of a group of journalists and fans is always a great time.) Joining them on the production side were Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Tim Minear, and Dante DiLoreto.

As for some other highlights of the panel, just take a look below.

1. Jessica Lange was absent, as she was enjoying time with her grandchildren on spring break. Lily Rabe also was unable to attend due to production of her new pilot.

2. O’Hare and Roberts still have not been confirmed to be on the new season, but the fact that they are “in talks” suggests that it will most likely happen.

3. The basic outline for the story is that Lange’s character is a German woman in Jupiter, Florida managing one of the country’s last great freak shows. Paulson, Peters, Bates, Bassett, and Conroy are all confirmed to be playing performers of some sort.

4. Chiklis will be the father of Peters’ character, and also the ex-husband of Bates’. Start getting excited already about the prospect of these two in a scene together.

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Photo: FX