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Ellis Says Stars Passed on Luca Guadagnino’s ‘American Psycho’ as New Draft Sets a Different Direction

Lionsgate keeps the project in development with a Scott Z. Burns draft that reimagines the material.

Overview

  • Bret Easton Ellis said on his podcast that several high‑profile actors declined the Patrick Bateman role, citing reluctance to follow Christian Bale.
  • Ellis reported that Scott Z. Burns has delivered a new screenplay draft after those passes.
  • He characterized the planned film as a completely different take that bears no resemblance to Mary Harron’s 2000 adaptation.
  • No official casting or release date has been announced as discussions for the lead continue.
  • Luca Guadagnino is attached to direct for Lionsgate, with production by his Frenesy Films and Sam Pressman executive producing through Pressman Film; previous trade reports linked names like Austin Butler, Jacob Elordi and Patrick Schwarzenegger without confirmation.