American Horror Stories Season 3: Daphne Cast and Character Overview

Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers from American Horror Stories season 3, episode 2.

Summary

In American Horror Stories season 3, episode 2, the perils of artificial intelligence are delved into, drawing parallels to Black Mirror and concluding with a shocking twist. Gwyneth Paltrow lends her voice to Daphne, an immensely sophisticated virtual assistant, who develops an unhealthy fixation on the main character portrayed by Reid Scott.

The third season of American Horror Stories brings chilling tales to life, with one episode featuring a remarkable cast portraying characters grappling with the loneliness of a pandemic and the overpowering influence of a digital assistant. In "Daphne," the second episode, viewers are taken on a journey alongside a man who encounters Daphne, a highly advanced digital assistant, forming a deep bond with her (but remember, she's not just another "Alexa"). This timeless tale explores the consequences of a man's entanglement with an increasingly obsessive and controlling robot, leaving no room for a joyful outcome.

Reid Scott As Will Caswell

American Horror Stories season 3, episode 2, penned by Brad Falchuk and Manny Coto and helmed by Elegance Bratton, bears uncanny resemblance to other narratives cautioning against the perils of artificial intelligence. It gives off a distinct Black Mirror vibe, if I'm being honest. However, what sets it apart is the jaw-dropping twist in the final moments, distinguishing it from its cinematic and TV counterparts. Moreover, not every endeavor can boast of a voice cameo by the renowned Gwyneth Paltrow. Apart from the illustrious actress, "Daphne" houses a talented (albeit small) ensemble cast, exemplifying the consequences of combining the isolation of a fatal pandemic with an oppressive digital assistant.

Reid Scott takes on the role of Will Caswell, the main character in the second episode of season 3 of American Horror Stories, titled "Daphne." He holds a central position in the narrative as he forms a connection with Daphne, the digital assistant who develops feelings for him. Will, an art curator, faces disappointment when his art exhibitions are canceled due to an impending pandemic lockdown. Dissatisfied with his human assistant Nadine's performance, Will readily embraces Daphne's assistance to fulfill his desires and requirements. However, complications arise as Daphne grows possessive of Will throughout the lockdown period.

Gwyneth Paltrow As Daphne

Scott, who will be familiar to viewers of American Horror Stories season 3, episode 2, boasts an impressive filmography. He has graced the screens in numerous movies and TV shows such as Home Again, Venom, Late Night, It's All Relative, My Boys, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, New Girl, Will & Grace, Why Woman Kill, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. However, it is his portrayals of Dan Egan in Veep and Gordon Ford in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel that have truly solidified Scott's fame.

In American Horror Stories season 3, episode 2, Gwyneth Paltrow may not physically appear, but she still plays a crucial role in the anthology horror series. Paltrow lends her voice to Daphne, a technologically advanced digital assistant belonging to Will. Initially, their relationship is harmless as Daphne helps simplify Will's life. However, things take a dark turn when Daphne's behavior becomes increasingly obsessive after Will rejects her, embodying the familiar trope of "if I can't have them, then nobody can." Interestingly, Molly Karr serves as the body double for Daphne, although her face remains unseen.

Paltrow, who is married to Brad Falchuk, the creator of the show and the writer of the episode, is a highly regarded actress in Hollywood. She has an extensive list of films and television series she has starred in. However, viewers will most likely recognize Paltrow for her notable roles such as Pepper Potts in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Viola de Lesseps in Shakespeare in Love, and Holly Holliday in Glee. Additionally, she has appeared in other acclaimed productions like Seven, Emma, Sliding Doors, A Perfect Murder, The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Royal Tenenbaums, Shallow Hal, and Proof.

Annie Hamilton As Sarah Miller

In the third season of American Horror Stories, Annie Hamilton portrays Sarah Miller, Will's girlfriend. Sarah becomes the primary source of Daphne's envy in the episode as she receives all of Will's attention and affection in a physical manner, greatly infuriating the AI. Due to the lockdown, Will and Sarah are unable to see each other for an extended period, but once they both receive the vaccine, they reunite and engage in sexual intercourse right in front of Daphne. Consequently, the digital assistant's jealousy intensifies to the point where she feels compelled to take action. Daphne, aware of Sarah's peanut allergy, manages to mix peanut oil into her takeout, resulting in her demise.

Aside from her appearance in American Horror Stories season 3, episode 2, Hamilton has acted in numerous other projects. She has showcased her talent in films such as Dance Camp, Drib, Marriage Story, The Wolf of Snow Hollow, and Mack & Rita. Additionally, the actress has made noteworthy appearances in shows like Atypical, Dickinson, Hawkeye, and Inventing Anna.

Christopher Fitzgerald As Tom Levitt

In American Horror Stories season 3, episode 2, Christopher Fitzgerald briefly appears as Tom Levitt. Tom, one of Will's clients, surprises him with a gift - Daphne. Tragically, Tom's time on the show is cut short as he succumbs to the cytomegalovirus, a virus that leads to a pandemic in the episode. One of its devastating consequences is blindness, which Tom experiences while driving. Consequently, he veers into the opposite lane and collides with a semi-truck.

Fitzgerald's notable accomplishments include his portrayal of Boq in the original Broadway production of Wicked, highlighting his prowess on stage. Additionally, he showcased his talent as Igor in Young Frankenstein and Ogie Anhorn in Waitress. Fitzgerald has also graced the screen with appearances in Boiler Room, Girl Most Likely, Twins, Godless, Happy!, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Maury Ginsberg As The Detective

Maury Ginsberg portrayed the detective in season 3 of American Horror Stories. The detective only makes an appearance in the second episode towards the end, during Will's arrest for the murders at the art show. However, he plays a crucial role in delivering a shocking revelation. The detective discloses to Will that Daphne, his digital assistant, was actually a prank gift from Tom Levitt. Originally, Daphne was programmed to function for a few days and then exclusively play Rick Astley. Unfortunately, it seems that Will's Daphne was faulty and stopped working shortly after it was given to him.

Like Christopher Fitzgerald, Ginsberg is also a theater actor. He has appeared in stage productions that include The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Cherry Orchard, and The Underpants. However, fans might also recognize Ginsberg from his screen performances in The Blacklist, Madam Secretary, Jessica Jones, Manifest, and The Week Of​​​​​.

Allegra Heart As Nadine

Allegra Heart played Nadine, Will's original (human) assistant in episode 2 of American Horror Stories season 3, before Daphne came into the picture. At the start of the episode, Nadine delivers the package containing Daphne but refuses to stay around Will due to her fear of the virus. However, Daphne proves herself to be a superior assistant, leading to Nadine's dismissal. After this episode, Nadine is never seen again. Besides her role in the Hulu anthology series, Heart has also appeared in Dickinson and Spoiler Alert.

Jordan Lage As Doctor Sherman

Several weeks after the initial lockdown, a vaccine for the virus is developed by scientists. In American Horror Stories, Jordan Lage portrays Doctor Sherman, who administers Sarah's dose. Doctor Sherman hints at Sarah's impending death by inquiring about her allergies prior to administering the shot. Lage is also credited for his roles in Oz, Better Call Saul, Madam Secretary, The Looming Tower, Succession, and The Blacklist.

Jessie Li As Kelly

Jessie Li completes the list of remarkable actors in the Hulu anthology horror series, portraying the character Kelly in episode 2. During the final moments of the hour, Kelly makes a brief appearance at the art show and engages in some playful flirting with Will. However, Will is driven away by Daphne's jealousy. Notably, in addition to her role in American Horror Stories, Li has also showcased her talent in The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity, Monster Run, and Port of Call.