The Animated Freddie Highmore

The Teenage Actor Talks Of His Work And Role Model Johnny Depp

(CBS)  You might remember Freddie Highmore as Charlie in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," opposite none other than Johnny Depp, with whom he also worked in "Finding Neverland."

Next, Freddie, who actually turns 15 on Valentine's Day 2007, plays Arthur, a 10-year-old boy, in "Arthur and the Invisibles," due for release next week. He dropped by The Saturday Early Show for a chat.

In the movie, Arthur goes on a quest to find the treasure of the fabled Minimoys, tiny fantastical beings living in harmony with nature, so he can save his grandfather's house from being demolished. (Mia Farrow plays the grandmother.) The movie starts with real-life actors and then moves to animation as Arthur lands into the Minimoys' world.

Highmore says he enjoyed filming in the Normandie region of France, because he got to practice his French! He had only read the Mimimoys books once he was approached to make the film.

"I think it's a good thing because young kids, they are always thinking they are in a different world," says the actor. "They are thinking, 'What if there are little creatures running around that you can't see?' That's what 'Arthur' is about."

Has Highmore been intimidated, working with the likes of Russell Crowe and Johnny Depp?

"That's one of the things you learn from working with these people: They are actually normal," Highmore replies. "Like Johnny Depp is a fantastic guy and he comes out on the set every day and says 'Good morning' to everyone and treats everyone equally. I like to think if I got as famous as Johnny Depp, this is something I would do."

He started his career with appearances on television in England and gradually branched out into movies. His first big role in a feature film was in "Finding Neverland."

So what is the coolest part about being a teenager and a movie star?

"Being able to travel around the world," says Highmore. "I was in Montreal and New York last year. I think that's it. You get to travel around and see different places and people."

He was in New York doing interviews for his latest movie, but it was time for him to return home to England and school. ("I am year 10 in England," he explains, "which is grade 9 in the U.S.")

Asked if he has a girlfriend, Highmore diplomatically replies, "I know a lot of great people, but I try to keep my private life private."

Among all the directors and stars with whom Highmore has worked, is there one that he would like to emulate?

"Johnny Depp is probably the best actor," replies the young star, saying also that outside of his work, he doesn't watch that many movies. Therefore, he tends to favor the films of the people with whom he does work, such as Depp and director Tim Burton ("Charlie and the Chocolate Factory").

Most recently, he completed filming "The Spiderwick Chronicles" in Montreal, set for release in 2008.