"The Walking Dead" alum Austin Nichols is set to recur as Sam Loomis in "Bates Motel" Season 5. He is trading zombies for psychos.
According to TV Line, Nichols will recur as a mysterious and charismatic newcomer Loomis to White Pine Bay in the final season of A&E's psycho prequel "Bates Motel" Season 5. His character antagonizes Norman Bates ("The Golden Compass" actor Freddie Highmore) when he tries to involve the motel owner in his web of lies.
The "Bates Motel" Season 5 picks up almost two years after the death of Norma Louise Bates ("The Conjuring" actress Vera Farmiga) and find Norman living a double life, Deadline reported. Norman is publicly a happy and well-adjusted member of the White Pine Bay community.
In the plot of "Bates Motel" Season 5, Norman struggles at home, where his violent blackouts are increasing as "Mother" threatens to take him over completely. Meanwhile, Dylan Massett ("Jumper" actor Max Thieriot) and Emma Decody ("Ouija" actress Olivia Cooke), now with lives of their own, soon find themselves drawn back into Norman's insanity, while a vengeful Sheriff Alex Romero ("Dark Knight Rises" actor Nestor Carbonell) hungers for a chance to destroy his stepson.
The popular singer Rihanna will also star in "Bates Motel" Season 5. Her role as Marion Crane was made famous by "Touch of Evil" actress Janet Leigh in the original Alfred Hitchcock film "Psycho" back in 1960. The new season will also feature an episode written by Highmore along with "Friday Night Lights" Kerry Ehrin and "The Strain" Carlton Cuse to executive produce under the banner of Cuse Productions and Kerry Ehrin Productions.
Nichols' TV credits include "Ray Donovan," "One Tree Hill," HBO's "John From Cincinnati," and "Friday Night Lights." He is coming off a series regular role as Spencer on AMC's "The Walking Dead." He is represented by UTA and Silver Lining Entertainment.
"Bates Motel" Season 5 returns for its farewell season on Feb. 20, Monday, at 10/9c on A&E.
Watch the video about "Bates Motel" casting "The Walking Dead" Austin Nichols for Season 5: