A&E Casting Updates for 'The Bates Motel', 'Psycho' Prequel Series

The Bates Motel series on A&E is gaining momentum as the casting process continues. The program is a prequel to the cult smash hit, Psycho, that starred Anthony Perkins. Completely hyped about the series, A&E decided to forgo a pilot episode and get it right into production.

The slant of the new show will be the relationship between Norman Bates and his mother, Norma. Also in the mix is Norman's brother, Dylan, who is being described as an older James Dean rebellious type of character.

Starring in the series that will debut in 2013 is Freddie Highmore whose biggest claim to fame to date is his role as Charlie in the Tim Burton version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Playing his mother will be Vera Farmiga, who was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her role opposite George Clooney in Up in the Air. Joining the two in the role of Dylan is the just-cast Max Thieriot of Kit Kittredge: An American Girl fame.

A&E has already prepared teaser art depicting the infamous Bates Motel for the new series, placing the picture on the back of programs for this year's Creative Arts and Primetime Emmy Awards.