In a recent update on the highly anticipated adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's cult classic novel American Psycho, the author revealed that several major stars have passed on the lead role of the enigmatic Patrick Bateman. Speaking on his podcast, Ellis shared that the shadow cast by Christian Bale's iconic 2000 performance looms large over the casting process for the new film, directed by Luca Guadagnino and penned by Scott Z. Burns.
The project, first announced exclusively by Deadline in 2024, marks a fresh take on Ellis's 1991 satirical novel, which skewers the excesses of 1980s Wall Street culture through the lens of a narcissistic investment banker with a penchant for violence. Lionsgate is backing the production, with Frenesy Films handling production duties and Sam Pressman, son of the late Edward R. Pressman—who produced the original film—serving as executive producer through his Pressman Film company.
"A couple of high profile actors, whom I can’t name, have turned it down," Ellis said on his podcast, according to Deadline. He speculated that the rejections stem from reluctance to follow in Bale's footsteps, adding, "I think maybe because they don’t want to be in the shoes of Christian Bale." This comes more than 25 years after Bale's portrayal earned critical acclaim and cemented the character's place in pop culture as a symbol of toxic masculinity and yuppie alienation.
Ellis further noted that Burns has since revised the script in response to the actors' decisions. "From what I’m told, this movie is completely different from Mary Harron’s 2000 movie. It’s a completely different take, and going to bear no resemblance to that movie," he explained. The original film, directed by Harron and co-written with Guinevere Turner, featured a star-studded ensemble including Justin Theroux as Bateman's rival Timothy Bryce, Josh Lucas as Craig McDermott, Chloë Sevigny as Bateman's secretary Jean, Reese Witherspoon as his fiancée Evelyn Williams, Jared Leto as Paul Allen, and Willem Dafoe as the detective investigating the murders.
The novel itself, published in 1991 by Simon & Schuster, drew immediate controversy for its graphic depictions of violence and consumerism, leading to bans in some countries and debates over its artistic merit. Ellis has long defended the book as a product of its time, reflecting the moral vacuum of Reagan-era finance. The 2000 adaptation toned down some of the book's more explicit elements to secure an R rating, focusing instead on dark humor and psychological thriller aspects that propelled it to cult status.
Guadagnino, known for acclaimed films like Call Me by Your Name (2017) and Bones and All (2022), brings his signature blend of sensuality and subversion to the project. His involvement was confirmed in early 2024, with Burns—whose credits include The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) and Contagion (2011)—attached to adapt the screenplay. The director has previously stated that the new version will not gender-swap the protagonist, as rumored in some early speculation, opting instead for a faithful yet innovative reimagining.
Production details remain under wraps, but the film's development aligns with a resurgence of interest in Ellis's oeuvre. His 2023 novel The Shards, a semi-autobiographical thriller set in 1980s Los Angeles, is being adapted into an FX series by Ryan Murphy, with model and actress Kaia Gerber cast in a lead role. This dual adaptation wave underscores Ellis's enduring influence on explorations of fame, identity, and societal decay.
While Ellis's comments highlight casting challenges, they also underscore the project's ambition. Bale's Bateman, with his meticulous morning routine, business card obsessions, and descent into madness, set a high bar that few actors might wish to challenge directly. Industry insiders, speaking anonymously to Deadline, have echoed Ellis's sentiments, noting that the role's intensity—both physically and reputationally—deters A-listers wary of typecasting or comparisons.
The original film's success, grossing over $34 million worldwide on a $7 million budget, spawned merchandise, parodies, and endless cultural references, from Huey Lewis and the News playlists to the infamous "mergers and acquisitions" monologue. Harron's direction emphasized satire over gore, a balance that earned praise from Ellis himself, who served as a consultant. The new iteration, per Ellis, aims to diverge entirely, potentially exploring contemporary themes like social media vanity or gig economy alienation in place of 1980s excess.
Sam Pressman's involvement adds a layer of continuity; his father, Edward R. Pressman, was a prolific producer whose credits include Wall Street (1987) and Badlands (1973). Edward passed away in 2023, making this a poignant project for the family. Pressman Film has been vocal about honoring the legacy while pushing boundaries, though specifics on the plot or tone remain closely guarded.
Ellis's podcast revelation comes amid a busy period for Hollywood remakes and reboots, with audiences showing mixed appetite for revisiting classics. Recent successes like The Color Purple (2023) musical adaptation contrast with flops like Pinocchio (2022), suggesting that American Psycho's edge could either revitalize or polarize. No release date has been set, but with scripting complete, casting could accelerate soon.
Beyond the Bateman role, the ensemble cast will be crucial to capturing the novel's ensemble of shallow socialites and corporate climbers. Sevigny's Jean, in particular, provided a human counterpoint in the original, and sources indicate the new script expands on female perspectives without altering core dynamics. Guadagnino's track record with intimate character studies bodes well for delving into Bateman's fractured psyche.
As development progresses, Ellis remains optimistic. In a separate interview snippet shared on social media, he described the script as "exciting and bold," hinting at surprises that could refresh the material for a post-#MeToo era. Whether the film will premiere at a major festival like Cannes or Toronto remains speculative, but its Lionsgate distribution points to a wide theatrical release.
The broader implications for Ellis's career are significant; at 60, he's seeing his provocative works reinterpreted for new generations. The Shards series, slated for FX, explores similar themes of youthful excess and hidden horrors, with Gerber's involvement drawing younger viewers. Together, these projects could solidify Ellis's status as a chronicler of American malaise.
Looking ahead, the American Psycho adaptation faces the dual challenge of honoring the source while innovating. With major stars opting out, producers may turn to rising talents unafraid of the role's demands. As Ellis put it, the new take promises "no resemblance" to the past, potentially ushering in a bold chapter for one of literature's most infamous antiheroes.