A New American Psycho Movie Is in the Works, But Don’t Call It a Remake

Lionsgate is in final negotiations with Challengers director Luca Guadagnino to make a new version of American Psycho — the classic story featuring Patrick Bateman who is a Wall Street investment banker by day and a serial killer by night.

In the official release, Lionsgate claims that the new film won’t be a remake of the 2000 movie starring Christian Bale. Rather, it aims to be a “new adaptation” of the 1991 novel by Bret Easton Ellis. Scott Z. Burns, best-known for writing the screenplay for The Bourne Ultimatum, will script the new film.

“We are thrilled to add another elite filmmaker to our upcoming slate,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson in the release. “Luca is a brilliant artist, and the perfect visionary to create a whole new interpretation of this potent and classic IP.”

There are numerous differences between the American Psycho movie and the book, including the total number of murders, the sheer level of violence, and the reasons behind Bateman’s actions. Coming out in the early 90s, the original book was also much more of an examination of 1980s yuppie culture.

But while it won’t be a remake of Bale’s movie, Guadagnino’s American Psycho will nevertheless face plenty of comparisons to the cult favorite. In a list of Bale’s top 10 movies published in 2013, we said, “As with the novel, the movie was fairly divisive among critics when it was first released. Some decried its graphic violence and sexual content, while others appreciated its sly sense of humor and unusual lead character. The movie has maintained a devoted following since, thanks in large part to Bale’s iconic performance.”

Lionsgate’s new American Psycho will be produced by Frenesy Films and executive produced by Sam Pressman. It’s still early days yet, so stay tuned for casting information and a potential release window. In the meantime, check out all the rest of the best movies of 2024.

Kat Bailey is IGN’s News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.