ComingSoon reports that Freddie Highmore, the young star of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and The Spiderwick Chronicles, is set to voice the title character in Imagi’s upcoming adaption of the classic manga series, Astro Boy. “I am very thrilled that Freddie has accepted this role,” producer Maryann Garg said concerning the news. “He is one of the most talented and acclaimed young actors today, and absolutely ideal to portray the iconic Astro Boy.” The big-screen adaptation of Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy follows the adventures of a robot created in the image of a child but with extraordinary powers. Lost in a complex future world, Astro Boy must learn to find his place and also to use his powers for good. The sci-fi flick will open in theaters worldwide in 2009.