
Christian Bale’s ax-wielding and well-moisturized Patrick Bateman took audiences and critics by storm in the 2000 film “American Psycho.” Based on Bret Easton Ellis’ groundbreaking novel, the horror satire is considered a cult classic and helped catapult Bale to stardom.
Now, 24 years later, a new version of “American Psycho” is officially underway. While the adaptation is still in its early stages, the film has already lined up its director and writer, and there is even a fan-favorite actor rumored to be taking up the Huey Lewis–loving mantle. Find everything we know about the new “American Psycho” interpretation here.
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Ellis’s satirical horror novel, which takes on capitalism, consumerism, and yuppie-ism, got its first adaptation in 2000, directed by Mary Harron, who co-wrote with Guinevere Turner. Bale led the cast as Patrick Bateman, the quickly unraveling investment banker by day, and serial killer by night. The ensemble also featured Jared Leto, Chloë Sevigny, Justin Theroux, Reese Witherspoon, Willem Dafoe, Samantha Mathis, and Josh Lucas.
A direct-to-video sequel, “American Psycho 2,” starring Mila Kunis, was released in 2002, but both Kunis and Ellis have since denounced it. The novel and original film have also been adapted into a stage musical for the West End and Broadway led by “House of Dragon” star Matt Smith.
On Oct. 18, news broke in Variety that “Challengers” and “Call Me by Your Name” filmmaker Luca Guadagnino is in final negotiations to make yet another adaptation of Ellis’ novel for the big screen. Scott Z. Burns is reportedly writing the update, referred to as a new adaptation of the book, as opposed to a remake of the film. Burns is best known for his sci-fi and thriller work, including the recent Apple TV+ limited series “Extrapolations,” “Contagion,” and “The Bourne Ultimatum.”
Lionsgate will again serve as the studio, with Frenesy Films and Pressman Film serving as executive producers.
“We are thrilled to add another elite filmmaker to our upcoming slate,” Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson told Variety. “Luca is a brilliant artist and the perfect visionary to create a whole new interpretation of this potent and classic IP.”
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On Dec. 11, news broke that "Dune: Part Two" star Austin Butler will star as Patrick Bateman in the new "American Psycho" adaptation. The role is the latest in a series of high-profile roles for the actor in recent years. He earned an Oscar nomination for the title part in Baz Luhrmann's "Elvis" in 2022, and he still has Michael Mann's much-anticipated sequel "Heat 2" on deck. Off-screen, Butler is known for his fierce dedication to his craft.
“It stopped being about trying to be a good student. It became: What is my own relationship to this man?” the actor told us in a discussion about his "Elvis" preparation. “How can I diminish the line between me trying to be someone else and instead just really feel like I’m seeing the world through his eyes?"
Butler was one of several names rumored to be swirling the project, a list that also included "Saltburn" and "Priscilla" actor Jacob Elordi. (Rumors spread after Elordi deactivated his Instagram account when news of the new version broke.)
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” breakout Cooper Koch also told the Hollywood Reporter at the Academy Museum Gala that he wants to work with Guadagnino, both in general and specifically as the bloodthirsty businessman. “I think I can do Patrick Bateman.… I haven’t played a serial killer yet, so I think I could do it.”
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The casting team for “American Psycho” is, shall we say, “out returning some videotapes” and does not appear to be publicly looking for actors at this time. However, while you wait for production to begin, you can boost your résumé by applying to one of these current horror and thriller gigs seeking talent today. We also suggest heading to our main casting page or bookmarking our roundup of major TV and film projects seeking background talent.
While you wait for potential opportunities, here are some other book adaptations, franchise continuations, and similar projects in the news lately:
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- Everything We Know About the ‘Peaky Blinders’ Movie
- Everything We Know About Netflix’s ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ Adaptation
- Everything We Know About the ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ TV Series
Keep checking back here for more updates on the new “American Psycho” adaptation!