We are just weeks away from the start of filming of A&E’s pilot episode of Bates Motel with Lost, Heroes, and House M.D. director Tucker Gates at the helm. The much anticipated Psycho prequel has just recently locked up Vera Farmiga as Norma Louise Bates who’s character is being described as a passionate, and compelling, a smart, multidimensional character who is always capable of surpassing us. Now all we need is Norman Bates.

Our serial-killer-to-be, Norman Bates, will be played by Freddie Highmore (Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Finding Neverland) who will be filling the shoes of Anthony Perkins. I knew the choice for Norman Bates was going to be surprising but I would have never guess it would be Highmore. He hasn’t worked much lately but he’s definitely a capable young actor that will be interesting to see bring a side to Norman Bates we have never seen before.

Executive producer Carlton Cuse said that his vision of Norman might not be what fans are expecting. Cuse isn’t planning on having Highmore imitate Perkins, as this series will offer an original, multi-layered take on Alfred Hithcock’s classic. This is something that fans need to remember going into the series because comparing Highmore to Perkins is just unfair and something that will always over shadow his performance. So far I’m very pleased with the casting and excited to see where this series will go.