Norman Bates

Norman Bates is a fictional serial killer and the primary antagonist of the Psycho film series. He was first created by author Robert Bloch and was featured in his 1959 novel Psycho. The character was largely inspired by real-life Wisconsin cannibal serial killer Ed Gein. In the film series, the role of Norman Bates was first brought to life by actor Anthony Perkins. The first Psycho movie was directed by noted crime noir and suspense thriller director Alfred Hitchcock. A young Norman Bates was also featured in the 1990 television movie Psycho IV: The Beginning where he was played by former E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial star Henry Thomas. A non-canon version of Bates appeared in the 1987 television movie Bates Motel where he was played by actor/stuntman Kurt Paul. Paul is also known for being Anthony Perkins' stunt double in Psycho II and Psycho III. In 1998, director Gus Van Sant remade Hitchcock's Psycho casting actor Vince Vaughn in the role of Norman Bates.