American Horror Story: 13 Casts Orlando Jones as Papa Legba

Orlando Jones is taking over the role of Papa Legba in American Horror Story: 13, a character he previously played alongside Lance Reddick in season three's Coven and season eight's Apocalypse.

Jones was well aware that stepping into this iconic role would be a daunting task, especially given his close friendship with the late Lance Reddick.

As a seasoned actor and self-proclaimed superfan of the franchise, Jones was excited to take on the challenge. The American Horror Story series has been created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk.

This season, however, Papa Legba finds himself in an unusual position, as an ally to the Coven and key source of information about Satan's plan.

The stakes are high as Satan, played by Paul Anthony Kelly, plans to leave Earth once his son Ben claims the throne. The witches must find Ben before he accepts the role, which would bring about the end of the world.

Orlando Jones has a unique perspective on Papa Legba's character development in this season, and he discusses whether the character can be trusted as an ally.

The transformation into Papa Legba involves intricate prosthetics, makeup, and hair design, which Jones reveals is quite a process to get right.

Working alongside the Coven women, including Jessica Lange's return, has been an incredible experience for Jones, who appreciates the "magical atmosphere on set.

As the story unfolds, the witches' fate remains uncertain, leaving viewers wondering what will happen next.

As a seasoned actor in the world of American Horror Story, Orlando Jones was well aware of the challenges that come with taking on a new role. However, when he stepped into the shoes of Lance Reddick's character, he couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness.

With limited knowledge of the material beforehand, Jones had to wait until he read the script to fully grasp his character's intentions and motivations. The contrast between his previous portrayal and this new one was striking, with Papa Legba being an agitated figure from the start, unlike the calm demeanor of Lance Reddick's character.

Jones' initial confusion soon gave way to excitement as he delved deeper into the world of American Horror Story. He was particularly drawn to the complex relationships between characters, including his alliance with Marie Laveau, played by Angela Bassett. This strategic partnership added an extra layer of depth to his role and fueled Jones' enthusiasm for the project.

The transformation into Papa Legba required a significant amount of time and effort, with makeup, hair, and prosthetics playing a crucial part in bringing the character to life. Jones likened the process to his MADtv days, when elaborate costumes and special effects were de rigueur.

For three to three-and-a-half hours, a team of professionals worked tirelessly to create the full regalia of Papa Legba, including face paint, contacts, teeth, and an additional layer of skin on his hands. The result was a striking visual representation of the character, with Jones' hands being particularly noteworthy due to the detailed weathering effect.

The wig and hat were also essential components of the look, with Jones describing the process as migraine mode when they were pulled down to their fullest extent. Completing the ensemble were pants, boots, a cane, and, of course, the iconic cape that defined Papa Legba's character.

Jones' experience in transforming into Papa Legba was a far cry from his previous roles, with this one requiring a more intricate and detailed approach. The end result was well worth the effort, as Jones brought the Haitian spirit to life with ease and conviction.

As he settled into his new role, Jones couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead for Papa Legba and the other characters in American Horror Story. With the story unfolding at a rapid pace, viewers were left on the edge of their seats, eager to see how events would transpire.

The deal between Papa Legba and the witches has far-reaching consequences for all parties involved. Fans are left wondering if they can truly trust Papa as an ally or if he's hiding an ulterior motive that could put the witches in harm's way.

Papa's actions suggest a complex motivation, one that may not be entirely driven by a desire to see evil prevail. As the world teeters on the brink of destruction, it's possible that Papa is more concerned with maintaining his own relevance than with serving any particular deity or agenda.

Given his demonstrated affinity for the witches and his assistance in their time of need, it seems unlikely that Papa would intentionally act against their interests. However, as he himself has pointed out, there is a loophole that must be closed in order to prevent the devil from taking control, and this could have significant implications for his own position.

Papa's ultimate goal appears to be securing his own relevance in a world where he may no longer be needed or wanted. This desire for self-preservation could lead him to make demands or take actions that benefit himself at the expense of others, but it's unclear what these might entail at this point.

While Papa's intentions are not entirely clear-cut, his words suggest a sense of urgency and concern about the witches' lack of focus and preparedness. He seems to be urging them to take action now, rather than waiting until it may be too late, and he may have valid reasons for doing so.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Papa has an ally in Marie, who may hold significant power or influence in her own right. This raises questions about the extent of Marie's involvement and what role she might play in shaping the outcome of events.

Papa's words also contain a hint of warning, one that suggests there are forces at work beyond those currently visible to the witches. As he notes, they have been through this before, but this time, the stakes may be even higher.

The danger posed by Papa's actions is not to be underestimated, especially given his own admission that the real threat has only just begun to materialize. With the outcome of events hanging precariously in the balance, it remains to be seen what will transpire next and how the witches will respond to the challenges ahead.

The actor playing a key role in the latest season of American Horror Story has shared some insight into his experience working on the show.

With multiple storylines unfolding simultaneously, it's not surprising that Orlando Jones is tight-lipped about the remaining episodes. However, he did reveal that he receives scripts for the episodes he appears in.

His familiarity with the plot gives him a unique perspective on the season's direction. Despite this, Jones is hesitant to share any specific details, preferring to keep the suspense intact.

As an avid fan of the show, Jones has a deep appreciation for its complex characters and storylines. He cites Coven and Asylum as particular favorites, but also expresses affection for Murder House, which he considers the specialist among the seasons.

Jones' enthusiasm is contagious, but his fangirl persona often gets the better of him. He finds himself lost in fan fiction, particularly on platforms like A03, where enthusiasts create their own stories based on the show's universe.

A memorable moment from American Horror Story history was the iconic knotty pine line delivered by Jessica Lange. Jones confirms that he witnessed this pivotal scene and has a deep respect for Lange's talent.

The set of American Horror Story is known for its electric atmosphere, with actors often slipping into character mode during intense scenes. Jones describes this phenomenon as magical," highlighting the unique camaraderie among cast members.

A significant plot twist has emerged in recent episodes, hinting that Mallory could be the next Supreme witch. Jones' reaction to this development is intriguing, as he notes the potential for a complex power struggle between three Supremes.

The introduction of multiple Supremes raises questions about the show's lore and tradition. According to Jones, fan fiction often depicts this scenario as catastrophic, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation between the witches.

Jones' initial reaction to the possibility of three Supremes was to wonder who would ultimately meet their demise. His prediction is laced with humor, but it highlights his genuine interest in seeing how the show's writers will navigate this unprecedented plot development.

The storyline surrounding Ben's character is about to take a dramatic turn as he comes face-to-face with the Coven, a group of powerful witches who are connected to his family's dark past. According to sources close to the production, this encounter will be a pivotal moment in Ben's journey, forcing him to confront the reality of his father's legacy and the role that has been laid out for him.

As an actor, Orlando Jones is aware of the impact that this plot twist will have on the audience, particularly those who are invested in Ben's character. He notes that his own acceptance of this storyline is still evolving, as he grapples with the complexity of his character's situation and the moral implications of his actions.

Despite being an integral part of the show, Jones emphasizes that he does not serve as a liaison between the characters and their supernatural connections. His role is to bring Ben to life on screen, navigating the intricate web of relationships and alliances within the Coven.

When asked about the possibility of reprising his character in future seasons, Jones expresses enthusiasm for the opportunity to return to the AHS universe. He credits Ryan Murphy's vision and the talented cast, including Sarah Paulson and Angela Bassett, with making the show a standout in the world of horror television.

The success of American Horror Story: 13 can be attributed in part to its ability to weave together seemingly disparate storylines into a cohesive narrative. As new episodes premiere on FX and Hulu, fans are eagerly anticipating the next twist in Ben's journey and the fate that awaits him at the hands of the Coven.

Jones's admiration for Ryan Murphy's work is evident in his willingness to participate in future seasons of AHS. He notes that the show's unique blend of horror and drama makes it a standout in the world of television, with a cast of talented actors who bring their characters to life in compelling ways.

The season's finale on October 29 marks the culmination of Ben's journey, as he faces off against the forces of darkness that have been gathering around him. With its unique blend of supernatural horror and family drama, American Horror Story: 13 has captivated audiences and left them eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

As the season draws to a close, fans are left wondering what the future holds for Ben and the Coven. Will he find a way to escape his fate, or will he succumb to the darkness that surrounds him? The outcome remains uncertain, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.