Luca Guadagnino isn’t pumping the brakes anytime soon. With Queer and Challengers released into the world last year, he’s now set his sights on something bolder: a fresh interpretation of Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho.
American Psycho (2001) directed by Mary Harron was the satirical horror film that changed the trajectory of not only Christian Bales' career for his chilling portrayal of Patrick Bateman. But It was a commentary on materialism, privilege, and the emptiness of consumerism, wrapped in a stylish, unsettling narrative. Nothing at the same the world has received on screen. The novel released in 1991 explores the excesses of Wall Street culture in the 1980s, blending dark humour with violent horror as we're taken through this setting through Patrick Batemans eyes. An attractive investment banker who lives a double life as a psychopathic killer, gruesome enough that the book was censored in multiple countries.
For those already raising an eyebrow, fear not—this won’t be a remake of the 2001 film. Guadagnino is carving out his own space within Ellis’s world, teaming up with Scott Z. Burns (of Contagion and Side Effects fame) to bring a new perspective. While details are sparse, the speculation mill is already turning, and the question on everyone's lips? Who’s going to step into those slick, blood-stained shoes as Bateman.
Below, we have accumulated five actors, that judging from the internet and our own investigations, should play Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino's American Psycho.
Patrick Schwarzenneger
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A newer addition to the mix, Schwarzenneger proved he's more than well versed in fairly unlikeable characters, with his role as Saxon Ratliff in season three of The White Lotus. He's also got Bateman's brand of ultra-clean good looks pretty down pat, if you ask us. And it seems Schwarzenneger would be on board for the role. Back in October, 2024, he tweeted "My dream" in response to news that the revival was being filmed. And fast-forward to May, 2025, when a fan tweeted, “patrick schwarzenegger, i've found your breakout role,” Schwarzenegger responded, "I’d love nothing more ;).” Could something be in the works? Only time will tell.
Austin Butler
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In late 2024, it seemed Butler was locked in to be our next Patrick Bateman, with even Variety confirming the news. Fast forward to mid-2025 and Butler's involvement is shrouded in questions marks, but that won't stop us including him in our picks. The role will be relatively new territory for Butler, who's best known for his parts in Elvis, Dune, and American Speed, but we know he'd be more than capable to replicate Bateman's sleek good looks and, of course, murderous tendencies.
Cooper Koch
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In a red carpet interview at the 2024 Academy Museum Gala, Kcoh said he would want to play Patrick Bateman. Manifesting at its finest, as he mentioned it in multiple interviews that evening. After his gripping portrayal of Erik in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, seeing him step into the shoes of American Psycho’s iconic antihero feels less more like a perfect casting waiting to happen. For Koch’s sake, here’s hoping the stars align.
Drew Starkey
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Guadagnino is no stranger to re-casting his beloved actors in multiple of his movies. And it seems Drew Starkey might actually have a shot. Known for playing the unhinged, privileged bad boy in Outer Banks—and of course, being undeniably handsome, which is a key trait for such roles—Starkey might just have what it takes for American Psycho. In a recent interview, he revealed that he's been reading the infamous novel, which feels like more than just casual reading. Whether it's coincidence or a subtle hint, it’s hard not to wonder if Starkey’s preparing for a role that is perfectly suited to him.
Harris Dickinson
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Harris Dickinson has consistently shown incredible range in his performances, from Where the Crawdads Sing and Iron Claw to Triangle of Sadness and Babygirl. With his ability to portray complex, layered characters, Dickinson would bring a chilling intensity and undeniable charisma to the role of Patrick Bateman.
Robert Pattison
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Robert Pattinson, much like Harris Dickinson, has demonstrated remarkable versatility, making him an obvious contender for a challenging role like Patrick Bateman. His portrayal of Batman showcased his ability to dive deep into darker, more brooding characters, while his Twilight days highlighted his capacity for romance with a touch of levity.
Jacob Elordi
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We all know this actor is either the one you can’t get enough of or, perhaps, you're starting to tire of seeing on every screen. But there’s no denying it—he plays a convincing psychopath in more than a few roles, Euphoria included, where, despite his unsettling nature on screen, people are still drawn to him. Some might argue casting him as Patrick Bateman feels a bit too predictable. Yet, with his undeniable talent for embodying enigmatic, dangerous characters, it’s hard to ignore the fit. And images from last year when Elordi and Guadagnino surfaced—casually having lunch together, fuelling speculation of what they could be discussing.
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