Summary:
""Bates Motel"" actress Vera Farmiga is joining the cast of a new TV movie based on the classic film about the Bates twins.

Full article:
(EW.com) -- "The Departed" actress Vera Farmiga has been cast as one of the most notorious mothers in movie history. She joins A&E's "Bates Motel," a prequel to the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock film. "[Farmiga] is a phenomenal talent who has demonstrated incredible range and intelligence in a number of landmark film roles, and we couldn't be more excited to have her join our project," executive producer Carlton Cuse said. Robin Roberts' 'GMA' med leave to begin . The role's official description downplays Mrs. Bates' abusive character, who twists her son into a serial killer of women: "Mother of young Norman Bates. She's complicated, passionate, and compelling, Norma Louise is a smart, multidimensional character who is always capable of surprising us." The role of Norman hasn't yet been cast. (Never noticed this before, the similarity of their names -- Norma and Norman Bates -- nice). See the full article at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.