American Horror Story is entering the slasher genre with season 9, 1984, so which iconic Scream Queen should make a cameo? Ryan Murphy's horror anthology series is entering its ninth year this fall, with the 1984 slasher theme confirmed by the series creator back in April.
Murphy likes to play coy ahead of upcoming American Horror Story installments, especially when it comes to the season's specific theme. In the past, he's even kept all details surrounding a season under wraps until the first episode aired. Thankfully, that doesn't look to be the case with AHS: 1984. Murphy shared a teaser video on his Instagram confirming that the new season plays homage to '80s slasher era. The footage features a young woman being chased in the woods by a menacing figure with a knife. That's basically everything you needed to make a successful horror movie in the '80s.
A full cast list for AHS: 1984 has yet to be announced. So far, only Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, and newcomer Gus Kenworthy are have been confirmed for the new season. Of course, Murphy tends to use the same core actors for every season, so fans can count on some familiar faces to return. Sarah Paulson, who has appeared in every season thus far is expected to be involved, although Evan Peters, who also appeared in each season, is sadly sitting this one out. To make up for the loss of a fan favorite, Murphy should enlist the help of some horror royalty. Here are a few treasured Scream Queens who would make intriguing additions to the AHS: 1984 cast.
Jamie Lee Curtis: Murphy should aim high for his casting choices and go after horror's most beloved Scream Queen. Curtis made her feature film debut in 1978's Halloween, the movie that jump-started the slashed craze throughout the following decade. Curtis' role as Laurie Strode gave meaning to the term "final girl" as she continuously survived attacks by the crazed killer, Michael Myers. Curtis already has a history with Murphy, having starred in his short-lived comedy horror series which was coincidentally titled Scream Queens. Some fans are hoping Curtis will soon be busy reprising her role as Laurie for another Halloween sequel but a quick AHS: 1984 cameo would certainly tide most over.
Neve Campbell: Technically, the Scream franchise didn't debut until the mid-'90s but Campbell's role as Sidney Prescott was heavily inspired by Laurie Strode. Unlike other Scream Queens that preceded her, Campbell never gave into some of the women in horror stereotypes. Sidney evaded attacks from Ghostface through four Scream films. There's still hope for a Scream 5 but appearing in American Horror Story: 1984 would satisfy fans who have been wishing for another chance to see Campbell in a horror project.
Heather Langenkamp: If Campbell's in the discussion, we can't forget Wes Craven's first Scream Queen. A Nightmare on Elm Street starred Heather Langenkamp in the role as Nancy Thompson, who survived the attack by Freddy Krueger to appear in multiple sequels. Langenkamp worked on other horror films as a makeup artist. In fact, she's actually a makeup artist on American Horror Story and has already appeared in a cameo role during season 4, Freak Show. It's hard to believe that AHS would do a slasher season and not have her appear on-screen.
Danielle Harris: She might not be the most well-known Scream Queens in horror history but Danielle Harris earned her spot on the list. The actress appeared as young Jamie Lloyd in Halloween 4 and Halloween 5. She later appeared in Rob Zombie's Halloween and Halloween II re-imagining in the role of Annie Bracket. Horror has shaped Harris' career and she continues to work in the industry, making her a perfect fit for an AHS: 1984 role.
Sarah Michelle Gellar: The actress is best known for her portrayal as Buffy Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer but she has a Scream Queen history. In 1997, she had roles in I Know What You Did Last Summer and Scream 2. She may not be considered a final girl considering she was killed in both movies but she has experience running from killers. Gellar hasn't appeared much as of late (although did cameo as herself in The Big Bang Theory finale) and an appearance in American Horror Story: 1984 would be a fun way for the actress to get back to her horror roots.