A&E's "Bates Motel" has found its Norman. According to TV Guide, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" star Freddie Highmore has been chosen to play the infamous Norman Bates in the cable network's prequel to "Psycho," scheduled to begin production in October.
The role will be the first serialized TV project for Highmore, who gained fame opposite Johnny Depp in "Charlie" and "Finding Neverland." Previously announced Vera Farmiga ("Up In The Air") will play Norman's mother, Norma Louise Bates. Shortly after Highmore's casting, series producer Carlton Cuse took to Twitter to share details of another role: Norman's brother, Dylan, who will be played by Max Thieriot. The news first appeared on Variety.com.
In other casting news ...
Stacy Keach joins "The Neighbors." The actor will appear on ABC's alien comedy as the father of Lenny Venito’s character, and will make his first appearance in the show's Thanksgiving-themed episode. [EW]
"Ringer" alum stops by "CSI: NY." Tara Summers will play a British psychiatrist whose patients start dying under mysterious circumstances. She'll be joined in that episode by "Lizzie McGuire's" Jake Thomas. [TVLine]
An "Everwood" Reunion on "Scandal." Tom Amandes will join his former co-star Brenda Strong in the Shonda Rhimes drama for at least one episode. He'll play Governor Reston, and Strong will appear as his wife. [THR]
Meryl Streep's daughter spends time on "Zero Hour." Grace Gummer will recur on the midseason ABC thriller as FBI Agent Paige Willis, opposite Anthony Edwards. [EW]
"Breaking Bad's" Jonathan Banks visits "Vegas." The actor will play a Chicago mobster looking to keep his illegal businesses booming in CBS' period drama. He was also recently cast as Ben's (Adam Scott) father on "Parks and Recreation." [TVLine]