Austin Butler, known for his role in Dune: Part Two, is set to portray Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino's upcoming adaptation of American Psycho, Bret Easton Ellis' iconic horror novel. First published in 1991, American Psycho was previously brought to the screen in 2000 with Christian Bale in the role of Bateman, a wealthy, narcissistic Manhattan investment banker who leads a double life as a brutal serial killer.
However, according to Variety, Guadagnino’s take is not a remake of Bale’s film, but rather a fresh interpretation of Ellis’ novel. The screenplay for this new adaptation is being written by Scott Z. Burns, the acclaimed screenwriter behind films such as Contagion, The Bourne Ultimatum, and The Report.
The project is being produced by Frenesy Films and backed by Hollywood studio Lionsgate. It will be executive produced by Sam Pressman, the son of Edward R. Pressman, who produced the original film through Pressman Film.
Butler, who received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic, has been highly praised for his performances in Dune: Part Two, The Bikeriders, and the miniseries Masters of the Air. He will also star in Ari Aster's comedy-western Eddington alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone, as well as in Darren Aronofsky's '90s-set crime thriller Caught Stealing, featuring Zoe Kravitz.
Guadagnino, whose previous directorial work includes Suspiria, Bones and All, A Bigger Splash, and Call Me by Your Name, most recently directed Queer, starring Daniel Craig. He is also currently working on After the Hunt, a project starring Julia Roberts.