A&E's 'Psycho' Prequel 'Bates Motel' Finds its Young Norman

Miquel Benitez/Getty Images; Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga

A&E has found its young Norman Bates.

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A&E Goes Full Hitchcock in 'Bates Motel' Teaser Art (Exclusive Photo)

Vera Farmiga to Star in A&E's 'Psycho' Prequel 'Bates Motel'

A&E Orders Carlton Cuse's 'Psycho' Prequel 'Bates Motel' Straight to Series

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory's Freddie Highmore has been tapped to co-star as a young Norman Bates in the network's Psycho prequel Bates Motel, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

As first reported by TV Guide, Highmore will play the character made famous by Anthony Perkins in the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock feature.

EXCLUSIVE PHOTO: A&E Goes Full Hitchcock in 'Bates Motel' Teaser Art

Highmore, whose credits also include Finding Neverland, August Rush and the lead role as Charlie in Tim Burton's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, joins the previously cast Vera Farmiga, who will play his mother Norma.

From Lost's Carlton Cuse and Friday Night Lights' Kerry Ehrin, Bates Motel will explore Norman's relationship with his mother, Norma and offer a look at his backstory that helped forge the infamous serial killer.

"We are incredibly excited to start production on Bates Motel. We think our take on the Bates family will both be surprising and subvert expectations.  We can't wait for people to check in," Cuse told The Hollywood Reporter this week of his take on the famed thriller.

STORY: Vera Farmiga to Star in A&E's 'Psycho' Prequel 'Bates Motel'

A&E will promote Bates, which bypassed the traditional pilot stage and was picked up straight to series, withteaser art appearing on the back cover of the programs for this month's Creative Arts and Primetime Emmy Awards.

Highmore is repped by ARG and Kuranda Management. The series will debut next year.

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit