Sarah Paulson and Cody Fern are together again for a new movie!
The American Horror Story co-stars attended the world premiere of their new movie Closing Night during the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday (September 12) in Toronto, Canada.
Sarah, who stars in the film, posed alongside Cody as he celebrated both his screenwriting work and feature directorial debut. They were joined at the premiere by co-stars Naomi Watts and Dianne Wiest, among others. Sarah also had a reunion with Naomi, who she stars with on another Ryan Murphy project, All’s Fair, on Hulu. Season 2 is in the works!
Cody Fern wrote Sarah Paulson’s role specifically for her
Sarah and Cody previously worked together on the eighth season of American Horror Story, titled Apocalypse. Their experience on the show would go on to inspire Cody to envision an entirely different role for his former co-star.
“Sarah is one of the great loves of my life,” Cody revealed to The Wrap. “From the very first moment, it was the zenith. It was clear I had to do everything in my power to work with this woman again.”
In Closing Night, Sarah plays Sandra Vale, a hardened movie star preparing for the opening night of her Broadway play. The occasion brings her back into contact with the complicated family she left behind, including an estranged sister played by Naomi, per the TIFF description.
According to IndieWire, Sarah actually made the request to cast Naomi after their time together on All’s Fair.
Cody wrote the role of Sandra specifically with Sarah in mind. However, she initially struggled to believe that he wanted her for the project, jokingly questioning whether he might have intended the screenplay for Cate Blanchett.
“I couldn’t believe he had written it, quite frankly, because I didn’t know this part of Cody‘s brain,” Sarah told the outlet while discussing her reaction to the script. “I only knew this part, and his acting self, so I just was just blown away by it. And I couldn’t believe he wanted to make the movie with me, because I thought, ‘If you get somebody else, you probably get more money for your movie, so maybe you should think about that.’ But he, for whatever reason, decided it was me.”
Cody had no reservations about casting her, explaining that their work together on AHS had been a professional high point for him and made him eager to work with her again.
Sarah and Naomi brought contrasting looks to the TIFF carpet
Sarah wore the white Billie dress from Danielle Frankel‘s Collection XI. She completed the look with black-and-white Giuseppe Zanotti Lumiere mules.
Naomi went with a Willy Chavarria Spring/Summer 2027 runway look featuring a sleeveless black top and a dramatic knotted detail. She accessorized with Hearts on Fire jewelry and ArdAzAei satin slingback shoes.
Tanya Lapointe, Nancy Grant, Louis Mommeja, Patrick Desrosiers, Will Howarts, Devon Bostick, and Lucy Fry were also photographed at the TIFF premiere.
Devon co-wrote the script with Cody. The cast also includes Odessa A’zion and Toby Wallace, though they did not appear to be at the TIFF premiere.
Closing Night marks Cody’s first time directing a feature after building his career as an actor through projects including American Horror Story, American Crime Story, and, more recently, Foundation.
Closing Night does not yet have a confirmed US release date.
Click through the gallery to see more photos of Sarah Paulson, Naomi Watts, Cody Fern, Dianne Wiest, and more stars at the world premiere…
Posted To:2026 Toronto International Film Festival Closing Night Cody Fern devon bostick Event Photos Movies Naomi Watts Sarah Paulson toronto international film festival
