Though iconic star Jessica Lange remains at the center of the 'American Horror Story' franchise, soon to unfurl its third iteration with tonight's 'Coven' premiere, is the writing already on the wall for season 4? Series creator Ryan Murphy has revealed that Lange will indeed likely return for the next 'American Horror Story,' and already has a role in mind for the new premise.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Murphy acknowledged that Lange has made multiple declarations of leaving the franchise behind with each subsequent year, though the actress will likely indeed remain front and center for a prospective fourth season. Moreover, Murphy already has in mind a specific setting and role for Lange, saying, "Jessica Lange has always wanted to play a Marlene Dietrich figure, and now she gets to."

So, what might we infer from that? Lange's next character will emerge as a performance artist known for reinventing herself? Will season 4 take 'American Horror Story' even further into the past than the period setting of 'Asylum'? Will Marlene Dietrich cross paths with Charles Manson, the story of whom Murphy claimed that season 3 almost retold the story? Whatever the setting, Murphy recently revealed that a major clue would appear toward the end of 'Coven,' potentially within the final shot.

Along with the official footage and cast portraits of season 3 that have made their way online, we know that the third season of Ryan Murphy’s breakout horror hit will move back and forth between both present and 1830s New Orleans in a battle between witches and voodoo. ‘American Horror Story: Coven’ will also welcome newcomers Danny Huston, Christine Ebersole, Emma Roberts, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Patti LuPone, Leslie Jordan and Gabourey Sidibe, along with returning franchise regulars Jessica Lange, Taissa Farmiga, Frances Conroy, Lily Rabe, Denis O’Hare, Alexandra Breckinridge, Frances Conroy, Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson.

We'll be on hand later tonight to discuss the 'Coven' premiere, "Bitchcraft," but what say you? Are you excited to see 'American Horror Story' and Jessica Lange take on witches, or would you rather wait to see what a potential season 4 brings? Watch the latest trailer below, and give us your thoughts in the comments!

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