Luca Guadagnino's American Psycho Adaptation: Debunking Those Gender-Swap Rumors!

Alright, film fans, let's clear the air! We've got the real scoop on Luca Guadagnino's upcoming American Psycho movie, and it looks like those viral rumors about a gender-swapped Patrick Bateman starring Margot Robbie were just that — rumors.

TL;DR

• Luca Guadagnino is indeed directing a new adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's novel, American Psycho, not a remake of the 2000 film.
• Reports confirming Margot Robbie as a gender-swapped Patrick Bateman have been officially debunked by sources close to the project.
• Casting for Patrick Bateman is still ongoing, with Austin Butler and Jacob Elordi among the rumored male contenders, but nothing is finalized yet.

Setting the Record Straight: No Gender-Swapped Patrick Bateman Here

For a hot minute, the internet was buzzing with the idea of Margot Robbie stepping into the shoes (or maybe just the impeccable suits) of Patrick Bateman for Luca Guadagnino's new American Psycho film. Talk about a twist, right? Publications like The Sun and Parade fueled the fire, suggesting a female Bateman would put a "different spin on the crimes" and tackle the original novel's backlash against misogyny.

However, we're here to tell you to put away those gender-bend fan theories. Top industry sources, including Deadline, have firmly debunked these reports. They've stated that the gender-swap idea is "a non-starter" and that the Margot Robbie rumors are "completely unfounded." So, while Robbie is an undeniably brilliant actress who's been crushing it lately (hello, Barbie!), she won't be playing the iconic serial killer in this particular iteration. Looks like Patrick Bateman is staying Patrick Bateman.

Interestingly, this isn't the first time the idea of a female killer in the American Psycho universe has come up. The 2002 direct-to-video sequel, American Psycho 2: All American Girl, actually featured Mila Kunis as a criminology student inspired by Bateman. While that film might be best forgotten by many, it shows the concept has floated around for a while.

Who's Being Considered for the Role of Patrick Bateman Now?

With Margot Robbie out of the picture for Patrick Bateman, the big question remains: who will be charting his violent, hedonistic fantasies? While no official casting announcements have been made, the rumor mill is still churning with some exciting young talent.

Names that have popped up online as potential contenders include:

• Austin Butler: The Elvis and Dune star was at one point rumored to be close to signing on. While sources clarify nothing has been formalized, he remains a strong name in discussions. His ability to blend charm with intense, almost unhinged energy, as seen in his recent roles, would make him a compelling choice.
• Jacob Elordi: Known for his work in Euphoria and Saltburn, Elordi also reportedly had his name in the mix against Butler a year ago. His portrayal of Nate Jacobs in Euphoria showcased a character who is outwardly charming but psychologically manipulative and violent. His recent turns in darker, gothic-leaning roles like Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights further solidify his potential to embody Bateman's complex darkness.
• Patrick Schwarzenegger: The White Lotus star has openly expressed his interest, stating he'd "love" to play Patrick Bateman.

Beyond these, other actors like Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Pattinson have been discussed by fans as strong candidates, given their experience with dark, complex, and sometimes unhinged characters in films like Nightcrawler or The Lighthouse. Even Harris Dickinson, with his emerging talent in films like Babygirl, is seen as a compelling choice, offering a fresh, enigmatic quality that aligns with Guadagnino's casting patterns.

Casting discussions are very much still underway, so we'll have to wait and see who ultimately lands the role of the infamous Wall Street killer.

A Fresh Adaptation, Not a Remake: What This Means for Luca Guadagnino's Vision

It's crucial to understand that Luca Guadagnino's project isn't a direct remake of Mary Harron's beloved 2000 film starring Christian Bale. Instead, it's being pitched as a "new adaptation" or "reinterpretation" of Bret Easton Ellis's original 1991 novel. This distinction is important because it gives Guadagnino and screenwriter Scott Z. Burns the freedom to explore the source material in new ways without being beholden to the previous film's creative choices.

The novel itself was groundbreaking and highly controversial upon its release, known for its graphic violence and sharp, often horrifying, satire of 1980s yuppie culture, consumerism, misogyny, racism, and homophobia. While Harron's film is a cult classic, it necessarily streamlined some of the book's more extreme or ambiguous elements. Guadagnino's version could potentially dive deeper into those elements, offering a more faithful — or at least a distinctly different — interpretation.

Sources have suggested that Guadagnino's take might shift away from the "horror satire" of the 2000 film towards a "more carnal take." Given Guadagnino's filmography, which includes intense and visceral works like Suspiria (his own acclaimed remake) and Bones and All, a more raw, body-horror-infused, and perhaps less ambiguous exploration of Bateman's psyche and violence seems very plausible. He's known for his distinctive visual style and ability to delve into psychological depth, which could bring a unique flavor to Ellis's disturbing narrative.

"When I heard that [Guadagnino] was maybe doing it… I pitched to him that I should play Jean again, and that they do that reverse-aging on me. I thought that would be something that he would be into, conceptually having the same actress play the same part. But I don’t know. He said he was going to think of something else for me."

— Chloë Sevigny, who played Jean in the 2000 film, on pitching a return to Luca Guadagnino

Even original cast members are thinking about returning! Chloë Sevigny, who played Patrick Bateman's secretary Jean in the 2000 film, revealed she even pitched Luca Guadagnino on reprising her role. While her suggestion didn't gain much traction, it highlights the enduring appeal and intrigue surrounding this new adaptation.

The Creative Minds Behind This New Interpretation of American Psycho

As confirmed, the acclaimed Italian director Luca Guadagnino is at the helm. Known for his diverse and often provocative filmography, from the romantic drama Call Me by Your Name to the visceral horror of Suspiria and the recent tennis-world thriller Challengers, Guadagnino brings a sophisticated and often sensual aesthetic to his projects. His ability to reimagine existing material (like Suspiria) suggests he'll approach American Psycho with a fresh perspective that honors the source while making it his own.

Writing the screenplay is Scott Z. Burns, a talented writer whose credits include thrillers like Contagion and The Bourne Ultimatum. His experience with taut narratives and complex characters could translate well to the intricate and disturbing world of Patrick Bateman.

The film is being developed under Lionsgate, with Frenesy Films producing. Interestingly, Sam Pressman, son of Edward R. Pressman (who produced the original 2000 film), is on board as an executive producer through his company Pressman Film, maintaining a link to the property's cinematic past.

When Can We Expect to See This Modern Take on a Classic?

As of now, the new American Psycho movie doesn't have a specific release date. With casting still underway and Luca Guadagnino having a full plate of other projects, it's likely we'll have to be patient. Guadagnino is currently busy working on Artificial, a feature tackling Sam Altman and OpenAI for Amazon, which is targeting a release next year. It might be a while before he fully shifts his focus to Bateman's world.

However, the ongoing discussions and the caliber of talent involved promise that when it does arrive, this new adaptation will be a significant cinematic event. Fans of Bret Easton Ellis's novel and the 2000 film will undoubtedly be keen to see how Guadagnino brings his unique sensibility to this enduringly controversial and fascinating story of excess and depravity.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About the New American Psycho

Q: Will the new American Psycho movie be a remake of the 2000 film? A: No, it's not a direct remake. Luca Guadagnino's project is a new adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's original 1991 novel, which means it will draw directly from the book rather than simply rehashing the previous movie. Q: Is Christian Bale involved in the new adaptation? A: Christian Bale is not involved in Luca Guadagnino's new American Psycho film. A new actor will be cast to play Patrick Bateman. Q: What is the new movie expected to be rated? A: Given the graphic and violent nature of Bret Easton Ellis's source novel and Luca Guadagnino's track record with adult-oriented films, it is highly anticipated that the new American Psycho adaptation will receive an R-rating. Q: When will the new American Psycho movie be released? A: A release date has not been announced yet. The film is still in early stages of development, with casting ongoing. Sources

• Deadline - Luca Guadagnino’s ‘American Psycho’ Reimagining Won’t Be Gender-Swapped
• Bloody Disgusting - New American Psycho Movie Won’t Gender-Swap Serial Killer Protagonist or Star Margot Robbie
• Dark Horizons - Margot Robbie Eyed For Gender-Swapped American Psycho (and update)
• CBR - Luca Guadagnino's American Psycho Remake Won't Be Gender-Swapped With Margot Robbie
• FandomWire - Margot Robbie’s American Psycho Remake is Falsely Reported: 5 Actors Who Should Play Patrick Bateman Instead
• ComicBook.com - Luca Guadagnino's American Psycho Remake Won't Gender-Swap Patrick Bateman
• The Mary Sue - I’m Willing to Hear Out a Gender-Swapped Version of the Best Horror Story on Toxic Masculinity