FX's horror-drama breakout 'American Horror Story' secured its fourth season the other day, though curiously without confirming that series anchor Jessica Lange would return, following reports the star intended only to do one more season beyond 'Coven.' Now, it seems 'Coven' stars Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett have officially been approached to return, but what does it mean for the franchise?

Entertainment Weekly reports that Bates and Bassett have been asked to return for season 4 by Ryan Murphy himself, the pair otherwise new to the series in its third incarnation. Each has received notable acclaim for their eccentric roles, Bates for the real-life torturous figure of Madame LaLaurie, and Bassett for the similarly historical Marie LaVeau.

Said Murphy of the pair's possible season 4 return:

I have approached them and they wanna do it. That’s very exciting when you can work with A.) actresses you’ve always idolized and B.) those two are loving this season. They love what they get to do. Kathy Bates sent the writers a basket of plush toys all in the shapes of disemboweled organs. It doesn’t get better than when an Oscar winner sends you a grab bag of stuffed pancreas to say ‘Thank you and job well done.’

Thus far, Murphy has revealed of season 4 that we’ll likely see the concept set up within the final frame of ‘Coven,’ additionally teasing of Lange that “Jessica Lange has always wanted to play a Marlene Dietrich figure, and now she gets to.” Lange is expected to return for season 4, though no formal confirmation has been offered.

What say you? Would you be glad to see Bassett and Bates return for season 4? What types of roles would you like to see the esteemed actresses take on on 'American Horror Story''s next setting? Check out the latest preview for "The Axeman Cometh" below, and give us your thoughts in the comments!

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