'Bates Motel' Adds 'Last Airbender' Actress as Love Interest for Norman (Exclusive)

Nicola Peltz

A&E is rounding out the cast of its Psycho prequel Bates Motel.

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The Last Airbender co-star Nicola Peltz is near a deal to join the cable network's drama about Norman Bates' formative years, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively.

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Peltz will play Bradley Kenner, a girl Norman (Freddie Highmore) takes a liking to at school who's described as bright and effortlessly sexy with a depth that makes her seem older than she really is.

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. Vera Farmiga will star as Norma, while Charlie and the Chocolate Factory's Highmore will play the young Norman.

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In addition, Olivia Cooke (Blackout) has boarded the series as Emma, a classmate of Norman's with a penchant for adventure despite having a medical condition that requires her to roll a portable oxygen tank along with her, THR has confirmed.

Peltz and Cooke join the previously announced Max Thieriot, who will play Dylan, Norman's older rebellious brother.

Bates Motel, which bypassed the traditional pilot stage and was ordered straight to series, will premiere next year.

Peltz, whose credits also include Deck the Halls, is repped by WME and Untitled Entertainment.

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