‘American Horror Story: Cult’ Spoilers: Creator Reveals Reason Behind Emma Roberts’ Return

The premiere of “American Horror Story: Cult” is less than a week away and while there are still plenty of questions regarding the storyline that fans will have to wait to get answers for, showrunner Ryan Murphy recently shared some spoilers about one the characters on the show and the actress who portrays her.

During a Q&A in Los Angeles, Murphy revealed that Emma Roberts, who will be appearing in “American Horror Story” Season 7, only returned because of their close relationship. “She did it as a favor,” he said, as reported by Digital Spy.

The “Glee” creator revealed that the actress had to change her schedule in order to come back to the show. “She carved it out in her movie schedule. But it’s really fun to work with people that way. And we really encourage all of the people on our show, like, once you’re in that world, like, okay, if you want to go off and do something else, that’s great, but come back,” he explained.

Although he runs a professional production, Murphy revealed that there is a super friendly atmosphere on set that allows for strong bonds to be formed. “The funny thing about this group of people that we have on the show, they really are like a family, and I’ve created that within my company,” the producer explained.

Murphy said many of the actors he casts, like Roberts, tend to move around from show to show. “Emma was on ‘American Horror Story,’ and then, she went to ‘Scream Queens,’ and now she’s back on ‘American Horror Story.’”

The screenwriter also hinted that Roberts’ character may stir up some trouble during her short stint on the series. “She plays a Michigan newscaster named Serina Belinda who is promoted above Adina Porter’s character simply because she’s much more superficial and willing to do what it takes to survive. So, she is here for one episode,” he explained.

Serina is considered to be one of Roberts’ dream roles in Murphy’s eyes. “It’s just a very fluid way of working to have a group of people that you love that you can bring back and forth. And the other thing I like to do is to say, ‘What have you always wanted to play?’ to people.”

The director revealed that the actress shared her thoughts with him and he assisted her in pursuing her goal. “That was something that Emma and I had always made a joke about, her being a newscaster. So, her dream finally came true!” he revealed.

Roberts actually has quite a history with Murphy, aside from “Scream Queens.” The actress teamed up with the showrunner for “American Horror Story” Seasons 4 and 5. In “Coven,” the star played Madison Montgomery, a superficial teen actress who happened to be a witch.

The actress later returned to the franchise for “Freak Show,” where she played Maggie Esmerelda, a con artist who initially tried to scam the circus family, but eventually saw the light and changed her ways.

However, Roberts’ new character and short time on the series seems to be hinting towards an abrupt and brutal end for Serina.

“American Horror Story: Cult” will premiere on Tuesday, Sept. 5 on FX.