Note: This story contains spoilers from “American Horror Story: 13” Episode 8.
One of the most powerful characters in all of “American Horror Story” is back for Season 13. Papa Legba returned in the eighth episode of this season on Thursday night.
The spirit first appeared in the “Coven” season of the FX thriller from Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk and returned briefly for the antichrist-focused “Apocalypse.” Now that Satan is a threat, the witches ask him again for another favor. Here’s what you need to know about the actor behind this powerful bestseller.
Who will play Papa Legba in “American Horror Story: 13”?
That is Orlando Jones.
Previously, the Gate of the Spirit World was played by Lance Reddick in “Coven” and “Apocalypse.” Reddick died suddenly in 2023 of heart disease. A prolific actor, Reddick starred in several acclaimed shows and movies during his career, including HBO’s “The Wire,” “Lost,” ABC’s “Lost,” HBO’s “Oz,” “White House Down” and the John Wick franchise.
He also starred as Zeus in Disney+’s “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” a posthumous series that earned Reddick a Children’s and Family Emmy Award nomination.
What else did Orlando Jones star in?
Before joining the “American Horror Story” universe, Jones was one of the original cast members of “MADtv.” He also played the African god Anansi in Starz’s “American Gods” and starred in ABC’s “Evolution,” “Drumline,” “Abbott Elementary,” Adult Swim’s “Teenage Euthanasia” and Apple TV’s “Swagger.”
How is Papa Legba connected to “American Horror Story: 13”?
Papa Legba is the gatekeeper of the Spirit World and responsible for balancing the stages of life and death. Although he often deals with the witches, he has a bad relationship with the coven. But because Papa Legba often demands such a high price for his deals, they don’t always happen.
In “Apocalypse,” he briefly plots with Cordelia (Sarah Paulson) to eliminate the antichrist Michael Langdon (Cody Fern). Although that plan didn’t come to fruition, it shows his willingness to make deals against dark forces – a detail that’s important to remember in a season that literally includes Satan. Cordelia eventually made a deal with him to bring back Marie Laveau (Angela Bassett) in exchange for the new Voodoo Queen Dinah Stevens (Adina Porter), but that exchange was scrapped when Mallory (Billie Lourd) went back in time to kill the antichrist.
Cordelia tries to make another deal with him in “13.” In exchange for bringing back Marie Laveau, Cordelia and her new mother, Fiona (Jessica Lange) agree to bring Queenie (Gaborey Sidibe) to the gate. The Queen voluntarily suffers in hell after the three realize that Fiona is their best bet to get Marie Laveau on their side and Cordelia is too weak to punish her. Cordelia and Fiona allow Queenie to return to her personal hell to work in fast food but promise to come back for her.
“American Horror Story” airs new episodes Thursdays on FX and Hulu.
