One of the most tantalizing projects headed to the small screen, but also one of the riskiest, is A&E's "Bates Motel." Earlier this summer, the network skipped the whole pilot episode thing and ordered up ten episodes of the show for a 2013 premiere, and it seems the wheels are beginning to turn now. And this first bit of casting puts on face on a famed movie character that only existed as voice in Alfred Hitchock's "Psycho," which this series will serve as a prequel to.
Vera Farmiga will play Norma Bates in "Bates Motel," providing one half of the key relationship with Norman Bates in the show that will chronicle his teenage years before he became a serial killer. And it's hard to argue with the casting. Farmiga is a strong actress -- who has shown her stuff both on the small and big screen -- and perhaps it's a hint that the show will be much more than something just riding the coattails of an established film (like "The Transporter" is doing). Indeed, the network has intriguingly called the show a cross between "Twin Peaks" and "Smallville" and while that sounds promising, "Lost" producer, writer and showrunner Carlton Cuse resumes that latter role here alongside Kerry Ehrin, which gives us pause.
Anthony Cipriano ("Twelve And Holding") penned the pilot but no word on yet on who will direct. But first, they'll need to find their Norman. Any suggestions?
via IndieWire
