<P> In July 2014, TVLine reported that Wes Bentley would appear in the season' two - part Halloween episode as Edward Mordrake . At the Comic - Con 2014, it was announced that John Carroll Lynch would portray one of the central antagonist during the season, Twisty the Clown . In August 2014, Patti LaBelle joined the cast for a four - episode story arc as the mother of Sidibe's character, named Dora, the Motts' housekeeper . Also in August 2014, it was revealed that Matt Bomer would be guest - starring in one episode as Andy, Dell's secret lover . Murphy took to his Twitter account to announce that the world's smallest woman Jyoti Amge has joined the cast as Ma Petite . Murphy had written a role specifically for Coven alum Leslie Jordan, but he was unable to appear on the show due to scheduling conflicts . </P> <P> In September 2014, it was reported that Asylum alum Naomi Grossman would return to portray Pepper, which marks the first time a character appears in multiple seasons of the series . Lily Rabe also reprised her Asylum character Sister Mary Eunice McKee in the tenth episode, "Orphans". Mare Winningham made an appearance in the same episode, as Pepper's sister Rita . Neil Patrick Harris guest starred in two episodes as Chester, who takes over the freak show when Elsa leaves for Hollywood . Harris' husband, David Burtka, appeared in the season finale as Elsa's husband . </P> <P> At Paley Center for Media's 2014 PaleyFest event, Ryan Murphy announced that the season's filming would take place again in New Orleans, Louisiana, although the show's setting is in Jupiter, Florida . The premiere episode was directed by co-creator Murphy, his first effort since the pilot . Principal photography for the season began on July 15, 2014 . Production on the season concluded on December 19, 2014 . </P> <P> A video released in July 2014, entitled "Fallen Angel", was reported by many news sources to be an official Freak Show trailer . The video--which featured the American Horror Story title card--was later taken down after FX confirmed it was fan - made . Before the debut of the fan - made video, FX had not released any official trailers concerning the upcoming season . The first official teaser was released on August 20, 2014, entitled "Admit One". </P>

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