Interviews, News, Television, What to Watch
Jul 24, 2016

RIHANNA JOINS THE CAST OF ‘BATES MOTEL’ SEASON 5 IN ICONIC ROLE PLAYED BY JANET LEIGH

A&E has announced that Rihanna has been tapped to play the iconic role of Marion Crane, formerly played by Janet Leigh, in the fifth and final season of their hit drama series “Bates Motel.”

The highly anticipated casting announcement was made during the season five panel at San Diego Comic-Con via video from Rihanna as the singer was on her Anti World Tour. Despite, not stepping foot at the convention, Rihanna’s news ruled the twitter-sphere!

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.Rihanna_BatesMotel_ComicCon

“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.

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.

Photo Credit: (Andy Kropa / Invision / AP)