MOVIE NEWS – Austin Butler might be the next to “return some videotapes” in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming American Psycho reboot. However, according to Bret Easton Ellis, the author of the American Psycho novel, this may not be the case.

Ellis’s American Psycho was published in 1992 and quickly became one of America’s most banned books. Mary Harron’s 2000 adaptation, starring Christian Bale, has since become a cult classic. The film is now celebrated as a dark comedy rather than the glorification of violence critics initially accused it of being. Its popularity continues to grow, fueled by countless memes, cosplay, and quotes.

Luca Guadagnino’s remake was announced in October 2024, with reports that Austin Butler would take on the role of Patrick Bateman. However, Ellis has his doubts. Speaking on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, the author labeled the news as potentially false:

“I have a feeling it’s fake news,” Ellis said. The Deadline report confirmed the remake through sources, but neither Guadagnino nor Lionsgate, the studio owning the rights, has made any official announcements. Ellis added:

“I’ve heard from somewhere that no contracts exist. Austin Butler hasn’t signed on to play Bateman. Luca doesn’t have a deal, and neither does Scott Burns, who’s reportedly writing the script.”

Ellis suggested that the news was simply a way to gauge public interest before making any commitments. “This seems like fake news designed to see how the audience reacts,” he explained. Guadagnino had an incredible 2024 with the success of Challengers and Queer. If the Deadline report proves accurate, the director could add this remake of a beloved dark comedy to his impressive filmography.

Bret Easton Ellis Says He’s Not Involved in the Remake

Until Lionsgate or Guadagnino officially announce the project, the American Psycho reboot remains speculative. Ellis admitted that if the movie is secretly in development, he has no role in it. “If it does exist, I’m not involved in any way,” he said, joking that while he might earn a paycheck from the project, he won’t have any creative input. “I might get some money if it happens, but I have no creative role in this, and that’s all I know.”

While Guadagnino’s fans might welcome the idea of a remake, loyal followers of the 2000 film see it as nothing more than a cash grab. Lionsgate had a challenging 2024, with several high-profile releases underperforming at the box office. For some, the American Psycho remake appears to be a quick way for the studio to recover its losses.

Source: MovieWeb