TV Guide
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Bates-Motel-Freddie-Highmore-1053089.aspx
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TV Guide is reporting that the part has gone to 20-year-old English lad Freddie Highmore (pictured), who first gained notoriety opposite Johnny Depp in 2004’s Finding Neverland. They re-teamed a year later on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Highmore playing lucky Golden Ticket winner Charlie Bucket.
Earlier this year “Bates Motel” executive producer Carlton Cuse told TV Guide that his Norman might not be what fans expect. Cuse isn’t looking for someone to imitate Perkins, as this series will offer an original, multi-layered take on Hitchcock’s classic. As reported earlier, Vera Farmiga will play Norman’s mother, Norma Louise Bates.
“Bates Motel” gives 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 love damaged Norman helped forge the most well-known serial killing motel owner in history.
Shooting begins September 24th in Vancouver.