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Austin Butler Cast As Patrick Bateman In New Remake Of "American Psycho"

Austin Butler, acclaimed for his portrayal of Elvis Presley, is set to take on the role of serial killer Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino's upcoming adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's novel American Psycho.

By Carmen Schober1 min read
Austin Butler
Getty

This casting decision has generated significant interest, given Butler's recent trajectory in Hollywood and Guadagnino's distinctive directorial style.

The original American Psycho novel, published in 1991, offers a satirical and disturbing exploration of 1980s consumerism through the eyes of Patrick Bateman, a Manhattan investment banker leading a double life as a serial killer. The 2000 film adaptation, directed by Mary Harron and starring Christian Bale, has since become a cult classic, noted for its dark humor and critical take on materialistic culture.

Guadagnino's rendition is anticipated to present a new perspective on this narrative. Known for films like Call Me by Your Name, Guadagnino has a reputation for delving into complex human relationships. His approach to American Psycho is expected to emphasize the psychological issues of Bateman's character, potentially offering a different portrayal of his internal conflicts.

Butler's casting as Bateman marks a significant step in his career, too. Following his acclaimed performance in Elvis, this role allows him to explore a character with a very different psychological makeup. The transition from embodying a beloved music icon to portraying a character as morally depraved as Bateman will test Butler's versatility and depth as an actor.

The screenplay is also expected to diverge from previous adaptations and potentially incorporate even more sexual content despite many viewers wanting fewer sex scenes in movies and television shows.

As the project develops, viewers wonder how this adaptation distinguishes itself from its predecessors and what new dimensions it will bring to the story.

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