Austin Butler Set to Lead Luca Guadagnino’s Bold Reimagining of American Psycho

Austin Butler is in talks to star as Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino’s fresh adaptation of American Psycho for Lionsgate, bringing a new vision to Bret Easton Ellis’ infamous novel.

Though early rumors suggested Jacob Elordi was in the running for the role, Butler has emerged as the frontrunner. Interestingly, both actors have previously tackled Elvis Presley in vastly different films—Elordi in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla and Butler in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis.

This new take, penned by Scott Z. Burns (The Laundromat), is not a remake of the 2000 film starring Christian Bale but a distinct reinterpretation of the novel. Guadagnino—celebrated for Call Me by Your Name, Challengers, and Queer—is expected to bring his signature aesthetic and psychological depth to the project. Given his past work in Suspiria and Bones and All, his vision may lean further into the novel’s erotic and psychological elements than its predecessor.

While Butler’s casting is not yet finalized, sources indicate an official offer is imminent.

Guadagnino recently wrapped After the Hunt, starring Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield, and is coming off a strong awards season with Queer and Challengers. Challengers is currently in the running for multiple Golden Globe nominations, including Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) and Best Actress for Zendaya, while Queer earned Daniel Craig a Best Actor nomination.

With Butler potentially stepping into Bateman’s designer shoes, Guadagnino’s American Psycho promises to be a bold and stylish new chapter in the story of one of literature’s most infamous antiheroes.