Luca Guadagnino’s long-awaited remake of American Psycho has finally been confirmed at CinemaCon, igniting excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. Speculation surrounding potential actors to play the iconic role of Patrick Bateman has included names such as Austin Butler and Jacob Elordi, yet the film has not yet finalized its lead actor. Interestingly, one candidate whose star is rising is Patrick Schwarzenegger. According to reports from THR, he is “very much on the radar” of the producers working on the American Psycho project.
Schwarzenegger has recently garnered significant acclaim for his performance in the third season of HBO’s The White Lotus. However, there are concerns among some executives regarding his lack of experience as a lead in a major studio film. Despite these reservations, the actor appears enthusiastic about the opportunity, expressing, “I’d love nothing more” when a fan suggested he take on the role of Bateman. This eagerness demonstrates his passion for the project and the potential he sees in embodying such a complex character.
When asked by THR about whether starring in American Psycho was among his career aspirations, Schwarzenegger responded, “What’s on the very top of it is to work with a person like that, like Luca.” This statement highlights not only his admiration for Guadagnino but also his commitment to collaborating with visionary directors who can challenge him as an actor.
Schwarzenegger may soon have the chance to showcase his leading man abilities, as he has recently landed a role alongside Margaret Qualley in Love of Your Life, a romantic drama directed by Rachel Morrison of The Fire Inside fame. Additionally, there have been whispers that he could potentially be considered for the role of Cyclops in Marvel’s upcoming X-Men reboot, further solidifying his place in the competitive landscape of Hollywood.
The synopsis for American Psycho tantalizingly describes: “Patrick Bateman is a young, handsome, Harvard-educated Wall Street success, seemingly perfect with his stunning fiancé and entourage of high-powered friends. But his circle of friends doesn’t know the other Patrick Bateman, the one who lusts for more than status and material things. With a detective hot on his trail and temptation everywhere, Patrick Bateman can’t fight his terrible urges that take him on the pursuit of women, greed and the ultimate crime – murder!” This gripping narrative sets the stage for a thrilling exploration of the duality of human nature, which has captivated audiences since the original film.
This year marks the significant 25th anniversary of Mary Harron’s groundbreaking adaptation of American Psycho, the first film derived from Bret Easton Ellis’s notorious novel. Featuring Christian Bale in the role of Patrick Bateman, the film initially polarized critics but has since achieved cult classic status. While the prospect of remaking such a revered film may evoke mixed feelings among fans, it has historically not deterred Hollywood from revisiting iconic stories.
Do you believe that Patrick Schwarzenegger would be an ideal choice to step into the shoes of Patrick Bateman in the upcoming American Psycho remake?
