Author Bret Easton Ellis has revealed that several high-profile actors have passed on starring in the upcoming adaptation of his 1991 novel American Psycho. The project, directed by Luca Guadagnino and written by Scott Z. Burns, aims to offer a fresh take distinct from the 2000 film. Ellis shared these insights during a recent podcast episode.
Bret Easton Ellis, author of the 1991 novel American Psycho, provided an update on the casting for a new film adaptation announced by Deadline in 2024. The project is directed by Luca Guadagnino, with Scott Z. Burns adapting the screenplay for Lionsgate. Production is handled by Frenesy Films, and executive production by Sam Pressman through Pressman Film. Sam Pressman is the son of Edward R. Pressman, who produced the 2000 original film.
On his podcast, Ellis stated, “A couple of high profile actors, whom I can’t name, have turned it down.” He speculated, “I think maybe because they don’t want to be in the shoes of Christian Bale.” Bale's portrayal of the homicidal investment banker Patrick Bateman in the 2000 film, directed by Mary Harron, has been influential. That adaptation featured a cast including Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas, Chloë Sevigny, Reese Witherspoon, Jared Leto, and Willem Dafoe. Ellis created Bateman as a satirical take on masculinity.
Ellis noted that Burns has completed a new draft of the script following rejections of the previous version. He emphasized the differences from the earlier film, saying, “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.”
The announcement comes more than 25 years after the 2000 release, highlighting the challenge of following Bale's performance. Separately, Ellis's 2023 novel The Shards is being adapted into an FX series by Ryan Murphy, starring Kaia Gerber.