There are some film properties that make a case for never being re-made. Horror fans and cinephiles alike seem to agree thatPsycho, the 1960 film directed byAlfred Hitchcockand adapted fromRobert Bloch’s brilliant novel, is one of those films. So when it was announced that A&E would be taking the characters of Norman and Norma Bates, along with the infamous Bates Motel, and creating aPsychoprequel television series, well…it would be fair to consider the bold ideajust a little mad. But in what can only be described as a television miracle seemingly instigated by Hitchcock himself,Bates Motelwaslargely a critical and commercial success, leading to the series spanning 50 episodes over five seasons.
While the setting was moved fromPsycho’s sunny Fairvale, California to the overcast and corrupt town of White Pine Bay, Oregon, the change works.The dark prequel’s contemporary settingjuxtaposed with with the classic characters and locales we know and love allows for a modern twist to the story while remaining incredibly true to the spirit of Hitchock’s film, Bloch’s novel, and the characters of Norman and Norma Bates. Not to mention fantastic and committed performances fromFreddie HighmoreandVera Farmiga.
So whether you’re checking intoBates Motelfor the first time or are curious to see how the series stacks up against the film that inspired it, here’s a cast and character guide to the residents of White Pine Bay, the Bates Motel, and beyond.
Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore)
Taking over whereAnthony Perkinsleft off, Freddie Highmore plays a high school-aged Norman Bates. He’s a timid and reserved young man who is nervous about moving to a new town. Norman is prone to blackouts and knows that something is wrong with him, but Norma is afraid to tell him the truth. Norman is fiercely protective of his mother and tries to prevent outsiders from entering the bubble existence that he and Norma have created for themselves, afraid that it will take his mother’s attention away from him. Despite his social awkwardness, he finds solace in his friendships with Emma Decody and Bradley Martin, who seem to be the only people in town who understand him. He has an extremely tumultuous relationship with his half-brother Dylan.
Highmore found early success in films likeFinding Neverland,Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, andAugust Rush. Later, he appeared inAlmost FriendsandThe Art of Getting By. Following his success as Norman Bates inBates Motel, he went on to star as Shaun Murphy in the medical dramaThe Good Doctor.
Most recently, he can be seen in the film,The Vault, as Thom Johnson; and as Stefano Giraldi in the television seriesLeonardoabout the life of Leonardo da Vinci.
Norma Bates (Vera Farmiga)
After the death of her husband, Norma travels from Arizona to White Pine Bay, Oregon, where she purchases an old motel with the hope that she can run it and provide a better life for her son. Norma is a single mom who, despite her ferocity, bravery, and determination, can’t help feeling helpless and alone at times, especially after the constant misfortunes that come her way. While she dotes on Norman, she has trouble nurturing his independence and letting him be around others. Her abusive childhood has led her to be naturally distrustful of others, especially her new neighbors in White Pine Bay, which makes her feel like an outsider.
Farmiga’s filmography spans many decades and genres, with roles in thrillers such asThe DepartedandThe Manchurian Candidate, horror films likeJoshuaandOrphan, as well as dramas such asUp in the Air. FollowingBates Motel, Farmiga continued to appear inThe Conjuringfranchise as Lorraine Warren, in addition to starring in action and blockbuster films likeThe CommuterandGodzilla: King of the Monsters.
Most recently, she can be seen reprising her role as Lorraine Warren inThe Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, in addition to portraying Livia Soprano inThe Many Saints of Newark, and Eleanor Bishop in the seriesHawkeye. She will also appear as Dr. Anna Pou in the upcoming medical drama miniseriesFive Days at Memorial(TBA).
Dylan Massett (Max Thieriot)
Dylan is Norma’s son and Norman’s half-brother. While Dylan did not appear in either thePsychofilm or novel, his creation for the series adds new layers of emotional complexity to the Bates family. He did not grow up with Norma and Norman, leading to his deep feelings of abandonment, and spent most of his life being misled about the identity of his biological father. Despite his deep anger and resentment towards Norma, he feels the need to prove to her that he can take care of himself and hold down a steady job. Dylan has compassion for Norman’s mental health struggles and tries to get him the help he needs, especially since he’s knows that Norman’s relationship with Norma isn’t the healthiest. Dylan has romantic feelings toward Norman’s friend, Emma Decody, much to Norman’s dismay.
Thieriot was first a child star who appeared in films likeCatch That Kid,The Pacifier, andNancy Drew. He later appeared in adult horror, drama, and action films such asMy Soul to Take,Disconnect,House at the End of the Street, andPoint Break. Most recently, he can be seen as John Hays in the miniseriesTexas Risingas well as Clay Spenser on the military drama seriesSEAL Team.
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Emma Decody (Olivia Cooke)
Emma becomes a good friend of Norman’s when he first moves to White Pine Bay. She is intelligent, inquisitive, and curious. Her cystic fibrosis makes her feel like an outsider, much like how Norman feels like he doesn’t belong due to his unconventional upbringing and social awkwardness, but doesn’t let her disease define her. Emma looks up to Norma as a surrogate mother which sometimes comes back to bite her when she becomes involved in the Bates family’s drama. She has romantic feelings for Norman which begin to wane when he doesn’t show the same interest in her, but they remain friends. Even when Norman begins to display worrisome behaviors, Emma stands by his side.
Olivia Cookestarted out with roles in horror films such asThe Quiet Ones,The Signal, andOuija. She later found further success with roles such as Rachel Kushner inMe and Earl and the Dying Girl, Amanda in the dark comedyThoroughbreds, and Samantha Cooke inReady Player One. She also appeared as Lou Berger inSound of Metaland as Pixie O’Brien inPixie.
Recently, Cooke has starred in the filmsNaked SingularityandLittle Fish, and can be seen in the upcomingGame of Thronesspin-off,House of the Dragon, as well as the spy thriller seriesSlow Horses(TBA).
Sheriff Alex Romero (Nestor Carbonell)
Alex Romero is the sheriff of White Pine Bay and came into the Bates' lives after the death of the motel’s former proprieter. Despite the widespread corruption in town, he tries his best to maintain order while being a fair law enforcement official. He has a quiet, contemplative presence but will not hesitate to put you in your place if you disrespect him. Romero has romantic feelings for Norma, much to Norman’s disapproval and extreme jealousy. Despite Romero trying to win Norman over and act as a sort of father figure to him, Norman sees him as a threat and someone who will take his mother (and her attention) away from him. Romero later becomes aware of Norman’s mental health issues, leading him to be suspicious of Norman’s actions and worry for Norma’s safety.
Carbonell appeared in films likeThe Lost CityandSmokin' Aces, in addition to playing Mayor Anthony Garcia in bothThe Dark KnightandThe Dark Knight Rises. On television, he appeared as Luis Rivera inSuddenly Susan, Jonas Rey inStrong Medicine, and the fan-favorite Richard Alpert inLost. Following his role as Alex Romero onBates Motel, he appeared in recurring roles on shows such asMidnight, TexasandBig Hero 6: The Series.
Now, Carbonell can be seen as Yanko Flores inThe Morning Show, as well as upcoming films such asBandit(2022),Medicine Men(TBA), andTriggered(TBA).
Caleb Calhoun (Kenny Johnson)
Caleb is Norma’s brother. When he arrives at the Bates Motel unannounced, his abrupt appearance causes Norma to react explosively. While he seems to want to repair the complicated relationship and trust he broke with his sister, his presence brings up bad childhood memories for Norma who just wants to keep him out of the new peaceful live she’s desperately trying to create for her and Norman. Caleb’s attempts to bond with Norman (who sees Caleb as a threat) are consistently thwarted, though he is more successful in his efforts with Dylan.
Johnson has appeared in films likeBladeandSolace, in addition to television series such asThe Shield,Cold Case,Saving Grace, andPrime Suspect. FollowingBates Motel, he went on to star in series likeChicago Fire,Covert Affairs, andSecrets and Lies.He now currently stars as Dominique Luca in the action drama seriesS.W.A.T.
Bradley Martin (Nicola Peltz)
Bradley is a popular and wealthy student at Norman’s school. She initially befriends Norman out of genuine kindness but later sees that he, like her, has a darker side. Bradley is distraught after the death of her father and makes some bold choices that have disastrous consequences. She frequently enlists the help of Norman or Dylan when she is in trouble or looking for a confidant. Like most people in White Pine Bay, Bradley doesn’t realize the full implications of becoming entangled with the Bates family and their complicated drama.
Prior to her time onBates Motel,Nicola Peltzappeared in films such asDeck the Halls,The Last Airbender, andTransformers: The Last Knight. Now, she can be seen as Felicity in the romantic comedyHolidateand the upcoming filmLola James(TBA), which is also her directorial debut.
