Austin Butler (“Elvis,” “Dune: Part Two”) is set to take on the lead role of Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino’s new take on Bret Easton Ellis’ novel “American Psycho” for Lionsgate.
The film is said to be a whole new adaptation of the novel as opposed to a remake of Mary Herron’s famed 2000 film starring Christian Bale as Bateman. Jacob Elordi was being rumored for the role but Butler seems to have beaten him to it.
The book centered on wealthy, narcissistic and vain young Manhattan investment banker in the 1980s named Patrick Bateman who lives a double life as a serial killer.
The work garnered notoriety for its graphic violence, leading it to be censored in multiple countries. The previous film adaptation grossed over $34 million on a $7 million budget and developed a cult following.
“Challengers” and “Queer” director Guadagnino is expected to deliver a different interpretation of the character but it’s not clear what that will involve. Scott Z. Burns is penning the script for this new version.
Guadagnino recently wrapped filming of “After the Hunt” starring Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield.
Source: Variety