Austin Butler attends the World Premiere of "Dune: Part Two" in London's Leicester Square on February 15, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Austin Butler will play Patrick Bateman in new ‘American Psycho’ movie directed by Luca Guadagnino

The acclaimed Italian director is enjoying the success of 'Queer' and 'Challengers'

Senior WriterLos Angeles

DECEMBER 11, 2024 2:15 PM ESTDEC 11, 2024, 2:15 PM EST

Austin Butler has been chosen to play the coveted role of Patrick Bateman. The 'Elvis' star is set to star in Luca Guadagnino's new interpretation of the 'American Psycho' book by Bret Easton Ellis. Following speculation about who would be the best actor for the role, Variety confirmed Austin's involvement in the upcoming production.

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Jacob Elordi, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, and other stars were rumored to be in the casting process. However, the part ultimately went to Austin, who has been involved in multiple high-budget blockbusters in the last few years.

Christian Bale on the set of American Psycho, based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis and directed by Mary Harron.

The new project is known to be a different take in comparison to the 2000s cult classic, featuring a script by Scott Z. Burns, different from the first remake, which starred Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman. As reported by Variety, the upcoming movie "could have a larger erotic emphasis than the original horror satire," and the new Patrick Bateman could be an entirely different character from Bale's portrayal.

Austin Butler attends the Australian premiere of "The Bikeriders" during the Sydney Film Festival 2024

This is not the first time Guadagnino has dived into the horror genre, as he previously directed 'Suspiria' starring Dakota Johnson and Mia Goth, and 'Bones and All' starring Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet.

The acclaimed Italian director is enjoying the success of 'Queer' and 'Challengers,' with both receiving Golden Globes nominations. Daniel Craig was nominated for his performance in Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture, while Zendaya is competing for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture.

“We are thrilled to add another elite filmmaker to our upcoming slate,” Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson said. “Luca is a brilliant artist, and the perfect visionary to create a whole new interpretation of this potent and classic IP.”