We must have done something really good in our past lives, because on Wednesday Ryan Murphy revealed the title AND the first teaser for American Horror Story Season 9.
Officially titled American Horror Story: 1984, it'd be easy to assume that Murphy is going full George Orwell for the next installment. However, based on the video he shared on Instagram, the ninth season actually seems like it will play off slasher flicks of the '80s, such as Friday the 13th. (1984 also just happens to be the year iconic slashers A Nightmare on Elm Street and Silent Night, Deadly Night came out.)
In the teaser, a terrified girl is spotted running through the woods from a masked man. She eventually seeks refuge in a building, only for him to pierce the wall, just inches from where she had been resting her head. It's definitely giving us major Camp Crystal Lake and Jason Voorhees vibes, which sounds like a welcome change from the more glossy camp of Apocalypse and the politically charged Cult. American Horror Story is all about switching it up every season, and this looks like something we've never seen before. If anything, it could feel closer to Murder House, which was Murphy's take on haunted house horror. Of course, we don't believe that Murphy would have named something 1984 if there wasn't going to be some Orwellian aspect to it, but maybe it will be more Cabin in the Woods surveillance and less Big Brother.
View this post on InstagramAHS SEASON 9 is called...
We do hope Murphy really embraces the slasher theme, though, and uses his powers to attract slasher flick alums to the new season's cast. He already worked with Jamie Lee Curtis on Scream Queens, so it wouldn't be much of a stretch to see her join 1984. But may we also put out a call for Sarah Michelle Gellar, Neve Campbell, Matthew Lillard, and Kevin Bacon? Whatever newcomers Murphy does entice to join the AHS universe, they'll star alongside Emma Roberts and Olympian Gus Kenworthy, who will play a couple. Evan Peters, however, will not return.
Everything We Know About American Horror Story Season 9
Either way, if you liked Stranger Things but thought their play on '80s movies was a bit too tame for your taste, it looks like 1984 is going to be just what you've been craving.
American Horror Story: 1984 will premiere on FX this fall.
Other Links From TVGuide.com American Horror Story: 9Ryan MurphyEmma Roberts