Luca Guadagnino is on quite the tear recently, having made five films in five years, the latest of which, “Artificial,” should hit theaters before awards season 2026. But will Guadagnino’s upcoming “American Psycho” remake keep up the streak and have the auteur go six for six? Sure, if it gets made and doesn’t die in development like “Sgt. Rock“ and other recent projects of the director’s.
For now, Lionsgate still has Guadagnino on board to direct the remake, but he’s still looking for a leading man to play Patrick Bateman. Any frontrunners there? Not really, but an actor who’s worked with Guadagnino before, Drew Starkey of “Queer,” did play coy with GQ about rumors of his involvement in the project. “No comment,” said Starkey,” but did add that Guadagnino’s “script is amazing, though.” Interesting to hear, considering Guadagnino’s take will apparently go in a much different direction than Mary Harron‘s 2000 adaptation and Brad Easter Ellis‘ original novel. Starkey bit his tongue about providing further intel about the remake’s screenplay, however, stating simply, “I’ve read the script, but Luca’s my friend. I think I’ve read all of his scripts.”
For those unfamiliar with Ellis’ 1991 novel, “American Psycho” follows investment banker Patrick Bateman in 1980s NYC: a materialistic yuppie by day and an insane, murderous madman by night. Harron’s 2000 film starred Christian Bale as Bateman, with Justin Theroux, Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas, Chloë Sevigny, Jared Leto, and Willem Dafoe rounding out the main cast. That film has become a cult favorite in the years after its release, with many fans of it up in arms about Guadagnino choosing to adapt Ellis’ book again.
Nevertheless, several actors have been linked to Guadagnino’s film as the potential new Patrick Bateman, including Austin Butler, Patrick Swarzenegger, and Starkey, among others. There’s been no serious buzz around any particular name, however, and on his podcast earlier this year, Ellis confirmed that “a couple of high-profile actors” turned the project down. “From what I’m told, this movie is completely different from Mary Harron’s 2000 movie,” continued Ellis. “It’s a completely different take, and going to bear no resemblance to that movie.” As for the former Mr. Bateman, Bale talked to THR about the challenging role earlier this year, too. “Whoever wants to give it a shot, give it a pop,” said the actor. “I just loved making it with Mary Herron so many years back, fantastic memories of it. Bold choice for anyone to try…all the best to them! I like brave people.”
But will Guadagnino find an actor brave enough to take on his version of Patrick Bateman, or will this “American Psycho” remake go the way of “Sgt. Rock“ and some other recent projects of the director’s and die in development? Fans of both the source material and Guadagnino will just have to wait and see. But let’s hope Luca continues his hot streak and helms his follow-up to “Artificial” ASAP, Bateman-based or not. And, no, Guadagnino’s “American Psycho” doesn’t swap Bateman’s gender, so stop asking…
