10 Movie Characters Who Look Nothing Like Their Source Material

1960 saw Anthony Perkins turn in one of the most seminal horror performances of all time. The American's chilling portrayal of Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock's magnum opus Psycho is revered as one of the most memorable turns in cinematic history.

Indeed, such is the aura of acclaim associated with Perkins' most famous role, that many fans are completely unaware that the actor's lanky build and handsome features are the polar opposite of the murderous cross-dresser's appearance in Robert Bloch's 1959 novel of the same name.

Bloch's version of Psycho's unhinged villain is somehow even less appealing than Hitchcock's take on the character. The novel describes the proprietor of Bates Motel as an obese, balding alcoholic on the cusp of middle age - the antithesis of Perkin's innocent and unassuming facade.

This inspired character evolution was precipitated by screenwriter Joseph Stefano. His qualms about the unsympathetic nature of the character as envisioned by Bloch led to Hitchcock casting the charming Perkins in the role, leading to one of the most celebrated performances ever witnessed.

Sometimes, it pays to be different.