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
  • Jonathan James
    About the Author - Jonathan James

    After spending more than 10 years as a consultant in the tech and entertainment industry, Jonathan James launched Daily Dead in 2010 to share his interest in horror and sci-fi. Since then, it has grown into an online magazine with a staff of writers that provide daily news, reviews, interviews, and special features.

    As the Editor-in-Chief of Daily Dead, Jonathan is responsible for bringing the latest horror news to millions of readers from around the world. He is also consulted with as an expert on zombies in entertainment and pop culture, providing analyses of the zombie sub-genre to newspapers, radio stations, and convention attendees.