Jessica Lange To Return To Ryan Murphy And 'American Horror Story'

Funny how a few awards and the right critical acclaim will change people's minds about a course of action.

It seems that in this case, even "American Horror Story" creator Ryan Murphy might've spoken a little bit too soon. Murphy claimed previously that his grim FX would return next season with its freshman cast replaced entirely by new characters. Then legendary actress Jessica Lange won Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe prizes for her performance as kidnapping neighbor Constance Langdon.

Not only is Lange now in for a second season, but Murphy claims she'll be an integral part of it as a brand-new character, reports Entertainment Weekly.

"We have designed the second season of 'American Horror Story' completely around her character," Murphy said. "Last year Jessica came in with Connie Britton and Dylan McDermott. This will really be the Jessica Lange show so I'm very excited about it. We are designing this amazing new opposite of the Constance character for her. She and I have spoken about different things. She has a lot of ideas, and has a lot of input into her character. She told me some things she has always wanted to play as an actress. She's a great collaborator and a great friend."

Murphy hasn't played his every card yet, though. He'll reportedly make an announcement tomorrow about three more season-one performers due back next year. This next season will also reportedly be set amid an East Coast mental institution.

Production on the next "American Horror Story" is set to begin this July with a mid-October return to FX targeted...just in time for Halloween.