American Psycho, the iconic satirical horror film that hit screens in 2000, is set for a remake, much to the dismay of some fans.
The original film starred Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker with a hidden psychopathic alter ego whose violent fantasies spiral out of control.
However, not everyone is thrilled about the prospect of a new version, despite acclaimed director Luca Guadagnino confirming this week that he’s working on it.
Film Stories reports that the Challengers director stated: “We are really working hard to bring to the screen a new adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ American Psycho, a book that I deeply love that is something that influenced me so much.”
He also praised Scott Z Burns, the writer behind the adapted screenplay, saying he is “doing an incredible job” and that “the script is coming out very handsomely.”
Adding fuel to the casting speculation fire, Guadagnino revealed that discussions are ongoing with “very exciting performers to play the leads.”
Despite this, the news was met with resistance from fans, many of whom believe the original film should be left untouched. Some also said ‘no one will compare’ to Hollywood star Christian Bale’s performance.
One fan expressed their concern, stating: “I love Luca, but some things can be left untouched.” Another echoed this sentiment, adding: “Gonna be hard to top Bales performance.” While a third person expressed their dismay, asking: “Why?! There is no need to remake this.”
Meanwhile, another person said that they hoped the news “was an April Fools”. Elsewhere, a frustrated film fan remarked: “The movie is perfect, this is embarrassing.”
Speculation has been rife over who might step into the infamous shoes of Patrick Bateman, with many voices on social media convinced that Austin Butler, a Hollywood favourite, was already slotted for the role.
Yet, according to Variety’s report from last year, Butler was set to take up the iconic part in Guadagnino’s edition of American Psycho. However, the novel’s author Bret Easton Ellis threw doubt on these claims in his podcast, declaring: “I have a feeling it’s fake news. I heard somewhere, from someone, that there are no contracts. Austin Butler hasn’t signed anything to play Patrick Bateman. Luca doesn’t have a deal.”
Furthermore, Ellis revealed doubts about the reported writer, saying: “Scott Burns, who is supposed to write the screenplay, doesn’t have a deal either. From various sources that I have, this is just fake news that was put out there to see how an audience is going to react.”
Curiosity continues to swirl as names like Jacob Elordi, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Timothee Chalamet and Glenn Powell have been bandied about by fans as possible contenders for the lead role.
One thing is clear, everyone will be watching keenly for more concrete casting developments.