Few can dispute that American Psycho is a modern masterpiece. Originally published as a novel in 1991 by Bret Easton Ellis, the story made a lasting impact with its 2000 film adaptation, directed by Mary Harron.
New American Psycho Movie Will Be Directed By Luca Guadagnino
Christian Bale’s portrayal of Patrick Bateman, the twisted, hyper-masculine yuppie with a penchant for violence, quickly became iconic. The film also starred Willem Dafoe and Jared Leto, adding to its appeal as a cult classic from the early 2000s.
Now, Italian director Luca Guadagnino is set to bring American Psycho back to the screen. Known for his celebrated films like Call Me by Your Name with Timothée Chalamet and Challengers featuring Zendaya, Guadagnino is prepared to breathe new life into Ellis’s novel.
According to Variety, the upcoming Lionsgate project will be penned by Scott Z. Burns, known for The Laundromat. Unlike Harron’s film, Guadagnino’s American Psycho will be a fresh adaptation of the novel rather than a remake of the previous movie. The project will be produced by Frenesy Films, with Sam Pressman—son of Edward R. Pressman, producer of the original adaptation—serving as executive producer under his company, Pressman Film.
Despite initial criticism for its violent content, American Psycho is ultimately a sharp critique of hypermasculinity.
The character of Patrick Bateman benefits from, and is protected by, the layers of privilege that white supremacy and patriarchy afford him. These elements allow him to not only lead his hedonistic, destructive lifestyle but also to evade consequence in a society that overlooks the flaws of men like him.
While Christian Bale’s performance remains beloved, fans can expect Guadagnino to bring both a new aesthetic and a sharper critical lens to Bateman’s character. The director has free rein to explore the themes of the book and craft Bateman in his own style, including queer topics.
There are actually many theories suggesting that Patrick Bateman might be gay. In a 1999 interview, American Psychoauthor Bret Easton Ellis explained that his reluctance to label his own sexuality was for “artistic reasons,” as he was constantly reflecting on his sexual identity.
Ellis shared that he didn’t identify as strictly gay or straight but felt comfortable being perceived as homosexual, bisexual, or heterosexual. Over the years, he experimented with this fluid persona, identifying as gay, straight, or bisexual with different people.
“If people knew I was straight, they’d read [my books] in a different way. If they knew I was gay, Psycho would be read as a different book,” he told the Los Angeles Times. In an interview with Robert F. Coleman, Ellis described his sexuality as “indeterminate,” adding that “any other interviewer out there will get a different answer; it just depends on the mood I am in.”
“American Psycho isn’t so much a lampooning and criticism of 80’s/90’s-esque Wall Street corporate greed, even though that is a big component of the book and movie. It’s more about all these guys who are harboring secret homosexual feelings in the midst of the AIDS outbreak, but doubling down on their desire to appear masculine and fit in and not let their true selves be revealed.” commented an user on Reddit.
Also, Adam Fogelson, who is the chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said that Luca Guadagnino is a” brilliant artist and the perfect visionary to reinterpret this powerful and classic IP”. With all of these theories and information, we are sure this movie is going STRONG.
Jacob Elordi as Patrick Bateman?
Although not yet officially confirmed, all signs (and fans) point to Jacob Elordi as Guadagnino’s choice for Patrick Bateman. Elordi, an Australian actor, is known for his work in The Kissing Booth series, Euphoria, Saltburn, and the upcoming Dune: Part Two.
it begins https://t.co/DUp7S1dlGR pic.twitter.com/ToHP3yE3jn
— ⚡︎ ☁︎ (@spideytimo) October 18, 2024
Elordi and Guadagnino recently collaborated in a Chanel No. 5 campaign titled See You at 5, in which Elordi starred alongside Margot Robbie. The campaign’s themes of desire and connection showcased his ability to blend fashion with intense storytelling—a dynamic that hints at his suitability for Bateman’s complex role.
Who would you like to see join this intriguing project? Until the cast is confirmed, prepare to see updated American Psycho looks this Halloween!
