The role of Norman Bates has been cast in A&E's new Bates Motel TV series. According to TV Guide, Freddie Highmore (pictured below) has been hired to play the famous mother's boy. He'll be joined by Vera Farmiga (The Departed), who recently signed on to play Norman's mother, Norma.

A&E has committed to a 10-episode first season order for the Psycho prequel series, and it's being developed by Carlton Cuse (Lost showrunner) and Kerry Ehrin. A firm release date has not been set, but the show will premiere some time in 2013.

“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.

Source: TV Guide