It has been announced that popular singer/songwriter Rihanna will be playing the iconic role of Marion Crane in the upcoming fifth season of Bates Motel. The role was originated by legendary screen actress Janet Leigh in the original 1960 Psycho film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The announcement was made today at San Diego Comic-Con during the Bates Motel Season 5 panel. Rihanna appeared in a video addressed to fans explaining her role on the show and clearly showing how excited she is about. Hint: The answer is very.
Creators and executive producers Kerry Ehrin and Carlton Cuse were on hand with cast Vera Farmiga (“Norma”), Freddie Highmore (“Norman”), Max Thieriot (“Dylan Massett”) and Nestor Carbonell (“Sheriff Alex Romero”) to celebrate the casting, the series and speak to the final season.
“We wanted to thrust the iconic role into a contemporary spotlight and redefine it in a meaningful and exciting new way. We also heard Rihanna was a fan of the show, and we were huge fans of hers, so it was the perfect collision of creativity and fate,” said executive producers Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin. This isn’t the first time Bates Motel has had interactions with Rihanna. She’s been very vocal about her love of the show, and the show has happily responded.
Additional announcements included: Vera Farmiga to executive produce and return in her Emmy-nominated role as “Norma” after her epic death in the final episodes of season four. Max Thieriot will make his directorial debut and Nestor Carbonell will direct for a third time. Finally, Freddie Highmore will write his second episode alongside executive producers Kerry Ehrin and Carlton Cuse. “Bates Motel” will begin production this fall in Vancouver and will return for an exciting final season in 2017 on A&E. We’re excited, but sad to see it go!