Austin Butler is poised to take the lead in Luca Guadagnino's fresh interpretation of Bret Easton Ellis' seminal novel, "American Psycho," brought to life by Lionsgate. Earlier whispers had hinted at Jacob Elordi being a potential Patrick Bateman, but those casting whispers ultimately faded into silence. Interestingly, both Elordi and Butler have shared the spotlight in distinct portrayals of Elvis Presley, the former in Sofia Coppola's "Priscilla" and the latter in Baz Luhrmann's acclaimed "Elvis."
Penned by Scott Z. Burns, who penned the critically acclaimed "The Laundromat," this film will not revisit the 2000 cinematic adaptation but rather forge a new path, loyal to Ellis' original novel. The 2000 film, set against the backdrop of the 1980s, saw Christian Bale don the shoes of Patrick Bateman, a chilling Wall Street yuppie who moonlighted as a serial killer. Under Guadagnino's directorial prowess, renowned for films like "Call Me by Your Name," "Challengers," and the recent "Queer," this adaptation may lean more heavily into erotic themes, veering away from the horror satire that defined its predecessor. With a resume that also boasts "Suspiria" and "Bones and All," Guadagnino is no stranger to genre-bending narratives. As Butler prepares to embody the protagonist, it's evident that Guadagnino could reshape Patrick Bateman in a manner that deviates significantly from past iterations.
Just wrapping up the shoot of "After the Hunt," starring Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield, Guadagnino's recent works, "Queer" and "Challengers," have garnered Golden Globes nods. Daniel Craig ("Queer") is up for Best Actor, while Zendaya contends for Best Actress for her role in "Challengers," which is also nominated for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and Best Original Score.
