Patrick Schwarzenegger, soon to appear in the third season of The White Lotus, has expressed strong interest in leading the upcoming remake of American Psycho. The new adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’s controversial novel is reportedly being directed by Challengers and Call Me By Your Name filmmaker Luca Guadagnino. Following a recent article indicating early casting discussions, Schwarzenegger reaffirmed his interest, commenting online: “I’d love nothing more.” He had previously called the role his “dream”.
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Although Austin Butler has been rumoured as a potential frontrunner for the role of Patrick Bateman, there has been no official confirmation. The story centres around Bateman, a wealthy Wall Street investment banker who may or may not be a sadistic serial killer. The novel is known for its dark satire of 1980s consumerism and unreliable narration, leaving readers uncertain about the reality of Bateman’s crimes.
The 2000 film adaptation, directed by Mary Harron and starring Christian Bale, has since gained cult status for its chilling tone and iconic performance. Bale’s portrayal remains widely celebrated, with the actor discussing the film’s cultural impact on several occasions. In 2022, Bale shared his own dream role—not in another psychological thriller, but rather as a clumsy Stormtrooper in Star Wars, referencing a famous blooper from A New Hope.
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As speculation around casting for American Psycho continues, fans await official announcements. Whether it’s Schwarzenegger, Butler, or another actor altogether, the challenge will be to reimagine one of modern fiction’s most infamous and ambiguous anti-heroes for a new generation.