Austin Butler will play the legendary role of Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino’s daring reinvention of American Psycho, which is renowned for its vivid storyline and sumptuous graphics. The movie is said to be more of a reimagining that reflects the ethical and economic difficulties of the 2020s than a straight adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ contentious book.

Guadagnino’s adaptation aims to expand on the themes of narcissism, excess, and identity, situating them in a world defined by social media’s voyeurism and performative morality. Austin Butler, fresh off his critically acclaimed roles in Elvis and The Bikeriders, has been tapped to portray the enigmatic Bateman, a character that will reportedly take on new dimensions in this modern setting. Guadagnino praised Butler for his ability to blend vulnerability with an unsettling intensity, a key factor in revamping Bateman for contemporary audiences.

The film is being developed under a partnership between MGM and A24, with Guadagnino serving as both director and producer. The project has already generated significant buzz due to its departure from the overt gore of the original 2000 film, aiming instead for psychological depth and biting satire. Guadagnino has hinted that this version will explore Bateman’s psyche as both a product and a victim of late-stage capitalism, set against a backdrop of opulent yet decaying urban environments.