TV News

© AP/ Freddie Highmore

"Charlie and The Chocolate Factory" star Freddie Highmore has landed the coveted role of serial killer Norman Bates in the new TV prequel to Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller "Psycho."

Find: Was 'Psycho' based on a true story?

The former child star, now 20, will lead the cast of A&E's new drama "Bates Motel."

Vera Farmiga has already been cast as the future killer's mother, Norma Bates.

Production on the series is scheduled to begin next month, according to TV Guide magazine.

Highmore is the third actor to play Bates onscreen - Anthony Perkins was the original Norman in Hitchcock's 1960 film and Vince Vaughn played him in the 1998 remake.