If you haven't been on the internet in the last couple of days, you might've missed some important news — American Horror Story is officially coming back for a ninth season, with Emma Roberts confirmed to return.
Details are pretty scarce right now, but creator Ryan Murphy did reveal that a new character, played by Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy, has been added to the cast.
In an Instagram caption, Ryan revealed that Gus will play the boyfriend of Emma Roberts, although it hasn't been confirmed whether she'll be reprising her role as witch Madison Montgomery or playing a new character entirely.
Reposting the picture of the announcement to his own Instagram page, Gus was understandably excited about joining the show.
However, the announcement has been met with criticism online, particularly as it seems that Gus has limited acting experience.
I went to check out Gus Kenworthy’s filmography on Wikipedia and this is... not promising #AHS9
But it's not just Gus' resume that has people wondering if the right choice was made — some think that a pattern is emerging in Ryan Murphy's casting decisions.
ryan murphy is just.... so.... boring
Truly inspiring work by Ryan Murphy to promote diversity on his progrums by casting a hot white guy with LIGHT brown hair this time https://t.co/0EJnsNn54H
Ryan Murphy casting each season of AHS
Others have accused Ryan of casting "pretty over talent".
Gus Kenworthy being cast in the next American Horror Story is proof, once again, that Ryan Murphy prefers pretty over talent.
Ryan Murphy’s qualifications for male actors on his shows have nothing to do with acting at this point 💀 He just wants hot white guys he can get to show their asses. Every show he does this 🙄 https://t.co/fm0PJl5prc
However, despite criticism from some, there has been support from others.
my bb @guskenworthy is gonna be on the new season of #AmericanHorrorStory and I am FREAKING OUT WITH PRIDE
Gus Kenworthy is going to be in AMERICAN HORROR STORY?!
Excited for my friend 😌💓 @guskenworthy https://t.co/9LJSXUlw8B
And Gus doesn't seem to be letting the criticism get to him at all. Instead, he cracked a joke about preparing for the role in real life.
Interviewer: So how did you prepare for this role? Me: I actually played "straight" for the first 23 years of my life... https://t.co/suRyBfRE3Q