There are some film properties that make a case for never being re-made. Horror fans and cinephiles alike seem to agree that Psycho, the 1960 film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and adapted from Robert 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 a Psycho prequel television series, well...it would be fair to consider the bold idea just a little mad. But in what can only be described as a television miracle seemingly instigated by Hitchcock himself, Bates Motel was largely a critical and commercial success, leading to the series spanning 50 episodes over five seasons.
While the setting was moved from Psycho's sunny Fairvale, California to the overcast and corrupt town of White Pine Bay, Oregon, the change works. The dark prequel's contemporary setting juxtaposed 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 from Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga.
So whether you're checking into Bates Motel for 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 where Anthony Perkins left 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 like Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and August Rush. Later, he appeared in Almost Friends and The Art of Getting By. Following his success as Norman Bates in Bates Motel, he went on to star as Shaun Murphy in the medical drama The Good Doctor.
Most recently, he can be seen in the film, The Vault, as Thom Johnson; and as Stefano Giraldi in the television series Leonardo about 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 as The Departed and The Manchurian Candidate, horror films like Joshua and Orphan, as well as dramas such as Up in the Air. Following Bates Motel, Farmiga continued to appear in The Conjuring franchise as Lorraine Warren, in addition to starring in action and blockbuster films like The Commuter and Godzilla: King of the Monsters.
Most recently, she can be seen reprising her role as Lorraine Warren in The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, in addition to portraying Livia Soprano in The Many Saints of Newark, and Eleanor Bishop in the series Hawkeye. She will also appear as Dr. Anna Pou in the upcoming medical drama miniseries Five 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 the Psycho film 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 like Catch That Kid, The Pacifier, and Nancy Drew. He later appeared in adult horror, drama, and action films such as My Soul to Take, Disconnect, House at the End of the Street, and Point Break. Most recently, he can be seen as John Hays in the miniseries Texas Rising as well as Clay Spenser on the military drama series SEAL Team.
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 Cooke started out with roles in horror films such as The Quiet Ones, The Signal, and Ouija. She later found further success with roles such as Rachel Kushner in Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Amanda in the dark comedy Thoroughbreds, and Samantha Cooke in Ready Player One. She also appeared as Lou Berger in Sound of Metal and as Pixie O'Brien in Pixie.
Recently, Cooke has starred in the films Naked Singularity and Little Fish, and can be seen in the upcoming Game of Thrones spin-off, House of the Dragon, as well as the spy thriller series Slow 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 like The Lost City and Smokin' Aces, in addition to playing Mayor Anthony Garcia in both The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. On television, he appeared as Luis Rivera in Suddenly Susan, Jonas Rey in Strong Medicine, and the fan-favorite Richard Alpert in Lost. Following his role as Alex Romero on Bates Motel, he appeared in recurring roles on shows such as Midnight, Texas and Big Hero 6: The Series.
Now, Carbonell can be seen as Yanko Flores in The Morning Show, as well as upcoming films such as Bandit (2022), Medicine Men (TBA), and Triggered (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 like Blade and Solace, in addition to television series such as The Shield, Cold Case, Saving Grace, and Prime Suspect. Following Bates Motel, he went on to star in series like Chicago Fire, Covert Affairs, and Secrets and Lies. He now currently stars as Dominique Luca in the action drama series S.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 on Bates Motel, Nicola Peltz appeared in films such as Deck the Halls, The Last Airbender, and Transformers: The Last Knight. Now, she can be seen as Felicity in the romantic comedy Holidate and the upcoming film Lola James (TBA), which is also her directorial debut.