Filmmaker and self-proclaimed “Pope of Trash” John Waters has revealed he will appear in season 13 of American Horror Story, the long-running horror anthology from Ryan Murphy Productions.

The director and actor shared the news with a hometown crowd during his sold-out spoken-word show at Baltimore Soundstage on Valentine’s Day.

“I’m going to announce tonight something new: I can’t say what role, but I have a big new part in American Horror Story,” Waters told the audience, prompting considerable excitement.

While details of his character remain under wraps, the announcement has only heightened anticipation for what is already shaping up to be a headline-grabbing season.

Rumours suggest that Season 13 will revisit the world first explored in Season 3, Coven, one of the show’s most celebrated instalments. Sarah Paulson is confirmed to return, alongside Waters and the good witch and superstar Ariana Grande.

Waters, whose career has long embraced the macabre and the outrageous, told Baltimore Fishbowl that his latest role continues a familiar trend.“I’m typecast,” said Waters, “I’m always either the devil or Chucky’s father…I’ve always been trying to steal Vincent Price’s career.”

John Waters’ admiration is clear, and his addition to the American Horror Story universe feels like a natural extension of his longstanding affection for the genre’s grand traditions.

Podcast commentator Matthew Rogers has suggested that the return to Coven could mark a significant moment for the series. “Yes, it appears all the witches are coming home as it has been confirmed that almost the entire cast of American Horror Story: Coven are returning for American Horror Story Lucky Number 13,” he observed.

“I am just assuming that we’re returning to the world of Coven, considering its cultural impact, not to mention this cast announcement,” Rogers added. 

“With the news of this cast, including Ariana Grande, mind you, and rumours this may be the final season, legacy fans are going to want to come back to see their favourites,” he said.