Austin Butler to star in Luca Guadagnino’s ‘American Psycho’ remake
Austin Butler has been confirmed to play Patrick Bateman in the upcoming American Psycho remake directed by Luca Guadagnino.
For a significant amount of time, speculation has circulated about who would play Patrick Bateman in the upcoming American Psycho remake, with Jacob Elordi allegedly eyed to take on the role. However, it appears Guadagnino saw something in Butler that made him perfect for the character. Elordi and Butler certainly have a great deal in common, having both played drastically different versions of Elvis Presley, with Butler starring in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis and Elordi in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla.
Although many have assumed the film will be an adaptation of Mary Harron’s 2000 movie, those involved have confirmed that the book is the source material being relied on rather than any motion picture. Scott Z Burns has put together a script, citing the novel as his primary influence.
As a result, viewers can expect a significant change in tone with this new adaptation. While the 2000 film was a horror satire that saw Christian Bale star as Patrick Bateman, a young up-and-comer on Wall Street while simultaneously being a serial killer, the new movie, with Guadagnino in charge, could be a much more erotic offering.
The director’s track record suggests he’s the perfect person to take on this blend of eroticism and horror. With a mix of films under his belt, such as Challengers, Queer and Suspiria, the idea of Guadagnino taking on a movie that focuses on sex, horror, and obsession seems an ideal match.
What else do we know about the upcoming ‘American Psycho’ remake?
There is still a lot to uncover about Guadagnino’s interpretation of the novel and the movie’s setting. While the original was set in the 1980s, there is no strict time limit that the movie needs to follow, so it could theoretically take place in modern times.
Austin Butler has been confirmed to play the lead (per Variety), Patrick Bateman, but no other cast members have been announced. Additionally, Scott Z Burns will handle script duties, and Luca Guadagnino will be directing.
Lionsgate is producing the film and the studio has been keen on adapting the novel for some time. Their chair, Adam Fogelson, spoke about why they had chosen Guadagnino to direct the picture, saying, “Luca is a brilliant artist, and the perfect visionary to create a whole new interpretation of this potent and classic IP.”
A release date is yet to be confirmed.
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