AMERICAN PSYCHO Author On Why Actors Are Turning Down Remake - "They Don't Want to Be In the Shoes of Christian Bale"
American Psycho (2000) was a crazy movie about a banker by day, psycho killer by night that was elevated by the performance of Christian Bale in the lead role.
His portrayal of Patrick Bateman was so darkly humorous and disturbing, he was in the best shape of his life, it’s like everything he brought to it was at its most extreme, which is why it’s hard to believe that they’re trying to remake it.
Last year, it was revealed that director Luca Guadagnino was set to adapt the novel by Bret Easton Ellis, but the author has revealed (despite rumors that Austin Butler has taken the role) that it’s been difficult to set an actor in the lead role.
Easton Ellis explained on his podcast while giving an update on the casting process, “A couple of high-profile actors, whom I can’t name, have turned it down. I think maybe because they don’t want to be in the shoes of Christian Bale.”
He added that the reimagined American Psycho has since gotten a completely new script, written by Scott Z. Burns, since the project was first announced in 2024 (and following passes from several not-to-be-named actors).
“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,” Ellis noted.
Previously rumored to be up for the part of Bateman were actors including Elvis star Austin Butler and Wuthering Heights lead Jacob Elordi. The author didn’t comment on these two actors’ statuses in the film, or who is currently being looked at to step in. But as he said, I’m sure filling the role that was previously done masterfully by Bale is a difficult task for any actor. Who do you think would be a good choice?
via: Variety