- Austin Butler has officially been tapped for the role of Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino’s American Psycho.
- This adaptation of the iconic Bret Easton Ellis novel has been written by Scott Z. Burns (The Bourne Ultimatum, Contagion, The Report).
- The original American Psycho (2000) starring Christian Bale was directed by Mary Harron, the latter of whom penned the screenplay alongside co-writer Guinevere Turner.
Luca Guadagnino’s interpretation of American Psycho has found its Patrick Bateman in Austin Butler.
Industry rumours had previously suggested the Elvis star was competing against Australia’s own Jacob Elordi for the top job who, incidentally, also portrayed the King of Rock & Roll in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla.
RELATED: ‘American Psycho’ Cast Thought Christian Bale Was “The Worst Actor They’d Ever Seen”
We shudder to imagine the depths of method acting Austin Butler will plunge for his performance as the murderous (and narcissistic) investment banker. But aside from Guadagnino’s disgraced Call Me By Your Name leading man Armie Hammer, we also cannot think of a more compelling candidate.
As alluded to earlier, the forthcoming adaptation of the iconic Bret Easton Ellis novel won’t be a remake, but an entirely new take written by Scott Z. Burns (The Bourne Ultimatum, Contagion, The Report).
It’s set to be produced by Sam Pressman, son of original film producer Edward R. Pressman, through Pressman Film. Further casting details and a release date for American Psycho starring Austin Butler have yet to be revealed.
In the background of all this, Butler is also in talks for another juicy legacy role with Michael Mann’s Heat 2; which the legendary director has indicated will be his next project.
For months, the internet has been buzzing with the prospect of him taking over from Val Kilmer as Chris Shiherlis. And it took on a whole new dimension when footage of the Dune: Part Two villain undertaking heavy-duty firearm training with Taran Tactical surfaced.
RELATED: Patrick Bateman Actually Wore A Seiko (Not Rolex) In ‘American Psycho’
“I can’t tell you anything about that,” Austin Butler told BH during the Sydney premiere of Bikeriders, before relenting when the line of questioning shifted to a more “hypothetical” nature.
“What I can say is this: I adore the first film and I’m a huge fan of Michael Mann… Also the novel. Have you read the novel? It’s very good.”
Butler has recently wrapped on A24 neo-western black comedy Eddington directed by Ari Aster, which also stars Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, as well as Yellowstone alum Luke Grimes; and has begun shooting Darren Aronofsky’s crime thriller Caught Stealing.
