American Horror Story: Freak Show is the final installment for Jessica Lange, but will the series also see another star’s exit when the curtain falls?

FX announced on Monday that the American Horror Story franchise will live on for a fifth season. This is exciting news for Ryan Murphy who already has plans for life beyond the murderous venture in Jupiter, Fl. But will he have to bid farewell to Jessica Lange and Kathy Bates when production begins?

Related: American Horror Story renewed for season 5 by FX

Perhaps not! If Ryan Murphy is good at one thing, it is creating interesting characters that actors cannot turn down. In the case of Sarah Paulson, she is already on board for another season and has stated that she cannot imagine a scenario in which she would turn down an opportunity to work on the project. If Paulson’s most challenging role is not enough of a testament to the opportunities Murphy offers his actors, his desire to retain actors challenges him to create even greater roles.

Jessica Lange is a veteran of the show, appearing in every season since the show’s premiere. Murphy has not given up hope following her decision to depart after this season, though. He has stated, “The latest series is Lange’s personal favorite and the role has ‘reinvigorated’ her interest in the work… before I was met with a quick no and now I am hearing, ‘Let’s keep talking.'”

Can the same magic work on Kathy Bates? After entering the troupe last season playing, Madame LaLaurie in Coven, Bates returns this season as the bearded lady. While Bates has not made a statement about officially leaving the series, Murphy already has a role in mind for her next season. She comments, “I love getting these fantastic characters to play and Ryan’s told me that he wants me to come back next year and it’s getting harder to refuse, let me tell you! Everything’s grown so much even since last year. It’s amazing.”

We do not see a flat out “no” in there! Bates’ returns tonight to welcome her ex-husband to the Elsa Mars freak show, but how will she handle seeing her son interact with his estranged father? Not to mention the arrival of his new triple-breasted wife played by Angela Bassett.

Watch American Horror Story: Freak Show episode 2, “Massacres and Matinees,” tonight at 10:00 p.m. ET on FX.