British actor Freddie Highmore has scored the role of Norman Bates on A&E’s “Bates Motel,” a prequel series to Hitchcock’s Psycho from Carlton Cuse (“LOST”) and Kerry Ehrin (”Friday Night Lights”). The 20-year-old is best known for his roles in Finding Neverland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

“Bates Motel” examines how Norman Bates psyche developed from his childhood through his teen years and how his twisted relationship with his mother Norma Louise Bates—played by Vera Farmiga—shaped him into a psycho killer.

TVGuide, which broke the news, had spoken with Cuse earlier about the Norman Bates casting and were told by the famed producer that his choice would not be what fans expect. Personally, I think the kid is creepy looking. I could totally picture him stuffing his mother.

“Bates Motel” is slated to shoot in October for a 2013 premiere.