According to The Hollywood Reporter, FX has revealed "Apocalypse" to be the name of the next season of "American Horror Story." Scheduled to air in September, rumors abound about how this next installment of the popular horror anthology from Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk will blend storylines and characters from prior seasons "Murder House" and "Coven." Vanity Fair reports that the show's artwork and title suggest the return of the first season ("Murder House") character Michael Langdon, who is both the product of an assault and, per the series mythology, the Anti-Christ.

The infant in the "American Horror Story" teaser artwork certainly looks diabolical, as does the creepy hand reaching towards what appears to be a blood-soaked infant. According to Vanity Fair, the blood-soaked infant may be evocative of Michael Langdon, who last appeared at the end of "Murder House" as a toddler character who had killed his adoptive mother. Indeed, Vanity Fair suggests that the murderous toddler may be back for the eighth season of the series, perhaps along with a group of witches, to usher in the apocalypse in this crossover of "Murder House" and "Coven."

Mainstay actors return for 'Apocalypse'

So far, actors confirmed for an appearance in "Apocalypse" include mainstays Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Kathy Bates, and Emma Roberts.

Each of the actors played significant roles in previous seasons, such as Evan Peters in the "Cult" season. As for the crossover storylines for the upcoming season, Kathy Bates and Emma Roberts had prominent roles in "Coven," whereas Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters were co-stars in both "Murder House" and "Coven." According to The Hollywood Reporter, Joan Collins (notable for her role in the soap opera "Dynasty") will also join "Apocalypse," this time playing Evan Peters' grandmother, and so becoming a member of the "American Horror Story" family.

Lady Gaga may also be back for 'Apocalypse'

Though the rumor of Lady Gaga's return is unconfirmed, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Series co-creator, Ryan Murphy, hinted that the popular musical performer and actress who co-starred in the "Hotel" and "Roanoke" seasons, may also have a place in "Apocalypse." (There was a suggestion in the poorly received "Roanoke" season that Lady Gaga's character was the first "supreme" leader of the witches in "Coven.") With a tremendous cast line-up and a generally well-received spooky series, "Apocalypse" is looking like it could be "American Horror Story" at its horrific best.
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