'American Horror Story: Coven' at TCA - Characters and Themes Teased!

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Executive producer Tim Minear sat down alongside Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Kathy Bates, and Angela Bassett to discuss the upcoming third season of American Horror Story… Coven! Here's what you need to know regarding what was revealed at the TCA 2013 summer press tour.

First, the tone this year is going to be much lighter. Expect to have some laughs along the way, as AHS is looking to widen its audience. Minear stated:

I would say the fun quotient was higher. Last year wasn't a lot of fun. This year is a drama but there's a lot of humor… we're embracing a velocity and fun this year. It might be a little more welcoming to an audience.

Also, as the title suggested, the third season will center largely on a group of witches and some true historical figures. The themes mostly surround racial oppression and feminism as well as family bonds, specifically those between mother and daughter. Sarah Paulson, for example, will be playing the daughter of Jessica Lange's character this season, Cordelia. Jessica Lange clued the audience in to the fact that she will, indeed, be playing a witch. Presently, she's only filmed two days and has yet to discover the fate of her character over Season 3's twelve-episode arc. There's still no word yet on whether Zachary Quinto could possibly return. If a twist allows them to write in a character for Quinto, they're open to it. Meanwhile, newcomers Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett will be playing the roles of two iconic historical figures. Bassett will be playing real-life voodoo queen, Marie Laveau, a renowned figure on the New Orleans scene during the 1800s. Bates, on the other hand, will be portraying the much darker character of Madame LaLaurie, a New Orleans socialite who became infamous for torturing and killing dozens of slaves in her home, a mansion which still stands on Royal Street today! It should be noted that both actresses seemed invigorated and excited to be a part of the American Horror Story family. Bates had this to say regarding watching the actors' work from Season 2, specifically that of Sarah Paulson:

…You get like a little kid. You just want to play, too.

American Horror Story: Coven debuts this October.

You can read more at Hitfix.