American Psycho fans ‘devastated’ as Hollywood star is officially cast as Christian Bale’s Patrick Bateman
Fans of American Psycho are left “devastated” as a recent Oscar nominee has been officially cast in the role Christian Bale played in 2000, just two months after many expressed their dismay that a remake would happen at all.
Austin Butler will star as Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino’s new interpretation of Bret Easton Ellis’ book American Psycho. Variety on Wednesday.
Many fans took to X (formally Twitter) to say they were “devastated” that the 33-year-old took on the role.
One social media user wrote: ‘Actually devastated by the casting of Austin butler as Patrick Bateman.’
Just two months ago, fans were furious after a new adaptation of the film was announced – 24 years after the classic starring Christian Bale was released.
Bale, 50, received critical acclaim for his portrayal of yuppie serial killer Patrick Bateman in the 2000 film directed by Mary Harron. The film developed a cult status in the decades that followed.
American Psycho fans are left ‘devastated’ as a recent Oscar nominee has been officially cast in the role played by Christian Bale in 2000, just two months after many expressed their dismay that a remake would happen at all
Austin Butler (pictured Sunday in San Francisco) will star as Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino’s new interpretation of Bret Easton Ellis’ book American Psycho, according to Variety on Wednesday
But now Call Me By Your Name director and Oscar nominee Luca Guadagnino is in “final negotiations” to direct a new film adaptation based on Bret Easton Ellis’ original 1991 novel.
Adam Fogelson, chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. said, “We are thrilled to add another elite filmmaker to our roster. Luca is a brilliant artist and the perfect visionary to create a brand new interpretation of this powerful and classic IP.
Scott Z. Burns of The Bourne Ultimatum has written the screenplay for a new film.
It is currently unknown who will play Bateman, but the decision to make the film has left fans furious over the ‘senseless’ decision.
One fan wrote: ‘I’m sorry, we do NOT need another American psycho movie. It doesn’t matter to me if Patrick Bateman directs himself. No! let something still be sacred.”
Another typed, “I’m kind of of the opinion that Mary Harron’s American Psycho is so perfect that a new adaptation seems pointless.
Others wrote: ‘an American Psycho remake is the last thing we need’, ‘American Psycho is perfect the way it is. that movie doesn’t need any improvements.
‘Even if it’s Luca, I don’t want it. That’s how perfect the American PSYCHO already is
‘There is already an American psycho film! stop remaking movies that are already movies!
Some fans supported the decision, writing, “Suspiria was incredible. If anyone can make a good remake, it’s Guadagnino. I’m curious about their take on American Psycho.
“Mary Harron’s American Psycho is actually perfect, BUT considering how brilliant Luca’s Suspiria remake is, I’m really curious to see his take on it.”
Bale, 50, received critical acclaim for his portrayal of yuppie serial killer Patrick Bateman in the 2000 film directed by Mary Harron. The film developed a cult status in the decades that followed.
But now – Call Me By Your Name director and Oscar nominee Luca Guadagnino is in ‘final negotiations’ to direct a new film adaptation based on Bret Easton Ellis’ original 1991 novel
It is currently unknown who will play Bateman, but the decision to make the film has left fans furious over the ‘senseless’ decision
A standalone sequel – American Psycho 2 – was released in 2002 starring Mila Kunis and William Shatner.
Kunis portrayed a criminology student who wants to advance her career by killing her classmates.
Bale was known for his rigorous process of embodying the psychopath – with director Harron previously revealing he even managed to sweat at the right time for his shoot.
Bale also transformed his physique, constantly speaking with an American accent and refusing to interact with others on set for the role.
The film also starred Reese Witherspoon, Chloe Sevigny, Willem Defoe and Jared Leto as the vilified Paul Allen.
In 2004, Bale lost five stone playing the emaciated, sleepless Trevor Reznik in The Machinist by barely sleeping and surviving on a diet of coffee and apples.
After landing the role of the Caped Crusader in Batman Begins soon after, Christian quickly built up his diminutive 121lb (8st 6lb) frame in just six weeks.
In 2022, Bale revealed that he was paid even less than the makeup artists who worked on the film.
In an interview with GQ, Bale recalled being ridiculed by makeup artists over the pay gap, claiming he was paid the legal minimum amount.
“They paid me the bare minimum they were legally allowed to pay me,” he told the magazine. “And I had a house that I shared with my father and my sister, and it was foreclosed.
Others said they were excited to see the Challengers director’s take on the classic
Bale was known for his rigorous process of embodying the psychopath – with director Harron previously revealing he even managed to sweat at the right time for his shoot
‘So the first thing was, ‘Holy crap. I need to get some money,’ because I did American Psycho, but I remember one time I was in the makeup trailer and the makeup artists were laughing at me because I was getting paid less than anyone.
‘And that was my motivation after that. It was just, ‘I have to get enough so the house doesn’t get foreclosed on.’