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Ryan Murphy’s deranged anthology series changed the face of small screen horror. Daring to venture where other shows refused to tread, pushing the boundaries of believability, and transforming the TV serial model, American Horror Story is unlike any other series. Now, its capacity for change – evidenced by its new story and setting every season – continues to evolve.

Just yesterday, Jessica Lange, who delivered sensational performances across the first four seasons, announced her departure from the show. It came as a bit of a blow, to say the least. Nevertheless, the show must go on and by the looks of things, Murphy is beginning the fifth season with a brand new roster of leading cast members.

The next lining up for admittance into the Hotel – the season’s subtitle – is none other than Wes Bentley. The actor previously appeared as Edward Mordrake in three episodes of season 4, Freak Show, and made an impression on the show’s creator, who took to social media to announce the news:

Thrilled to announce Wes Bentley will be a series regular on AHS: Hotel.

— Ryan Murphy (@MrRPMurphy) March 17, 2015

Does this revamped cast mean there are further revelations to come before we see Hotel? Bentley is signed on to appear alongside Lady Gaga, leading man Matt Bomer and Cheyenne Jackson. The four are all described as series regulars – not guest stars. This major shift in the casting line-up maintains what FX brass John Landgraf said earlier this year, as he hinted at an “unusually large reinvention” for the season that would strike out in ways previously unseen.

As American Horror Story is soon entering production on its fifth season, we can expect more details to arrive on the show’s makeover shortly.