A new American Psycho film is in development, and movie lovers are not impressed with the star tipped to play its lead.
The film is to be directed by Luca Guadagnino, the Italian film director behind some of the industry’s most talked about movies recently, including Challengers and Queer.
Produced by Lionsgate, it is purportedly not a complete remake of the 2000 film starring Christian Bale as an investment banker who lives a double life as a serial killer. The film is instead set to be a new interpretation of the satirical psychological horror book by Bret Easton Ellis.
The Bikeriders and Priscilla star Austin Butler will play the role of Bateman in the new film according to Variety, leading to some backlash online.
It comes after criticism following Paul Mescal’s casting as the lead in Gladiator II and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff in the forthcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights.
“Are there any other actors in Hollywood god damn it’s always the same 3,” wrote one disgruntled person on X/Twitter.
“Why does Hollywood keep recycling the same 5 actors?” asked another.
Others were frustrated by the concept of yet another remake.
“We don’t need to remake every single legendary film, I promise you it’s ok to leave somethings alone lol” said one social media user.
“NOOOOOOOO!!! Have they learned nothing from trying to redo Joker, or Batman, or even Superman?” commented one person. “You have ONE CHANCE to get it right. Cavill was Superman. Bale was both Batman and Bateman. Leave well enough alone.”
“An American Psycho remake is not needed or wanted,” wrote another.
Others were distraught, “This has got to be the most disappointing thing I’ve heard all day. Can’t believe this is happening”.
Some were excited by the prospect of a Butler rendition of the classic character.
“Exciting casting! Austin Butler fits perfectly” said one X/Twitter user, as another wrote: “Austin will crush this role. Excited to see it.”
The film features a script by The Laundromat writer Scott Z Burns.
There had been much speculation that Euphoria star Jacob Elordi would portray the role popularized by Bale in the original film adaptation.
While it’s unclear why Elordi’s casting didn’t come to fruition, it’s not the first time he and Butler have shared a similar connection; they both played very different versions of rocker Elvis Presley in movies by Sofia Coppola (Priscilla) and Baz Luhrmann (Elvis).
