Austin Butler has officially been cast as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ provocative 1991 novel, as reported on Variety. The project promises a fresh take on the infamous story of a Wall Street investment banker with a chilling double life as a serial killer. Butler’s casting ends months of speculation surrounding who would take on the iconic role previously immortalised by Christian Bale in Mary Harron’s 2000 cult classic.
Unlike Harron’s adaptation, Guadagnino’s version of American Psycho is not a remake of the film but a reimagining of the novel, with a script penned by Contagion writer Scott Z. Burns. While it is expected to retain key elements, such as Bateman’s high-powered career and murderous tendencies, Guadagnino is likely to lean into the psychosexual and horror themes more prominently than the original film. The director’s expertise in blending psychological tension with striking visuals, as seen in Suspiria and Bones and All, suggests a bold approach to the story. His ability to navigate horror and erotica may introduce a richer exploration of the novel’s darker themes.
Butler’s recent career trajectory makes him an inspired choice for the role. After his Oscar-nominated portrayal of Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, he showcased a more sinister side as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two. His ability to oscillate between charisma and menace aligns well with Bateman’s unsettling duality. Butler joins Guadagnino’s project amid a flurry of other high-profile roles, including appearances in Masters of the Air, The Bikeriders, and upcoming films like Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing and Ari Aster’s Eddington.
Earlier rumours had suggested Jacob Elordi as a potential contender for the role of Bateman. Interestingly, both Elordi and Butler have portrayed Elvis Presley in separate projects — Elordi in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla and Butler in Luhrmann’s Elvis. While Priscilla garnered critical acclaim, Elvis became a box office smash, grossing US$288 million and earning Butler an Academy Award nomination.
Given Guadagnino’s recent success in directing award-nominated performances, Austin Butler’s portrayal of Bateman could firmly place him in the awards season conversation once again. As a character defined by outward charm and hidden depravity, Bateman presents a complex challenge for any actor, a challenge Butler seems uniquely prepared to tackle.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Sylus from Love and Deepspace.
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