Scarlett Johansson to Play Janet Leigh in Making of Psycho

In January 2011 we first reported that Anthony Hopkins was in talks to play Alfred Hitchcock in Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho. The project finally appears to be moving forward and we have information on who has been cast in the other main roles.

Scarlett Johansson will play Janet Leigh, while James D'Arcy has been hired to play Anthony Perkins. Helen Mirren will be playing Hitchcock's wife, Alma. Set to be directed by Sacha Gervasi, the film will is based on a book that details the struggles Alfred Hitchcock faced creating Psycho:

“The book, published in 1998, tracks how Hitchcock, at the height of his game as a director, decided to make a 'lowly' horror movie. No studio wanted to touch it initially so Hitchcock scrounged for financing by himself. The movie, of course, became one of his biggest hits and one of the most influential of all time.”

Fans of Psycho should also keep an eye on a TV prequel series A&E is developing with Universal, titled Bates Motel:

“Bates Motel” serves as a prequel to the most famous fright film of all-time, “Psycho.” A&E is currently in script development. “Bates Motel” will give viewers an intimate understanding of how Norman Bates’ psyche developed from his childhood through his teen years. Fans will have access to the dark, twisted backstory and learn first hand how his mother, Norma, and her lover damaged Norman, helping forge the most well-known serial killing motel owner in history.