Minor update from author Bret Easton Ellis, who revealed via his podcast that a couple notable actors have already passed on an older version of the script, saying: "A couple of high-profile actors, whom I can’t name, have turned it down." He goes on to say that Scott Z. Burns has written a new draft that's completely different from the Mary Harron adaptation: "From what I’m told, this movie is completely different from Mary Harron’s 2000 movie. It’s a completely different take, and going to bear no resemblance to that movie." (2/23/26)

Lots of rumors have been swirling around about the film's casting, specifically with who will be playing Patrick Bateman. Apparently the most recent rumor being that the role would be gender-swapped, with Margot Robbie's name being passed around. According to Deadline, that's all false. In fact, even the rumors of Austin Butler and Jacob Elordi possibly playing Batemen are still simply rumors, with nothing officially set, as casting discussions continue. (10/28/25)

It appears that author Bret Easton Ellis was correct in his assumption that things with the project haven't progressed as much as initially reported, especially with actor Austin Butler's involvement. It was previously reported that Butler would play Patrick Bateman, but according to a recent update from director Luca Guadagnino that's not the case. In fact, it was revealed that the script is still being worked on by Scott Z. Burns, with Guadagnino revealing the following: "We are really working hard to bring to the screen a new adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ American Psycho, a book that I deeply love that is something that influenced me so much." Adding... "He’s doing an incredible job. The script is coming out very handsomely." He goes on to say that he's in "conversation with very exciting performers to play the leads." (4/1/25)

According to author Bret Easton Ellis (via his podcast), the movie is not actually happening. According to Ellis, the news broke just to see what kind of reaction it would receive from fans. Here's what he had to say: "I have a feeling it’s fake news. I heard somewhere, from someone, that there are no contracts. Austin Butler hasn’t signed anything to play Patrick Bateman. Luca doesn’t have a deal. Scott Burns, who is supposed to write the screenplay, doesn’t have a deal either. From various sources that I have, this is just fake news that was put out there to see how an audience is going to react…. If it does exist, I am not involved, I have nothing to do with this, I might get some money if they do this, but I am not involved creatively on any level, and that is all I know." Only time will tell whether there's any truth to this.

Actor Austin Butler (Elvis, The Bikeriders, Dune: Part Two) is set to play Patrick Bateman. (12/11/24)

It looks like the previous rumor has been proven true, as Lionsgate has set Luca Guadagnino (Bones and All, Challengers) to helm a "new adaptation" of the Bret Easton Ellis novel. The new film is scripted by Scott Z. Burns (The Bourne Ultimatum, Contagion, Side Effects, The Report, The Laundromat). Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson was quoted saying: "We are thrilled to add another elite filmmaker to our upcoming slate. Luca is a brilliant artist, and the perfect visionary to create a whole new interpretation of this potent and classic IP." (10/18/24)

There's a new rumor going around that this project may be back in development at Lionsgate. According to industry scooper Jeff Sneider, the studio is reportedly open to a writer updating the story for the modern age and possibly offering their own take on the character. Since nothing official has been revealed, you can take this as a rumor or simply being "in talks" right now. (2/26/24)

Announced in 2011, it looks like this project never officially got greenlit. In fact, FX and Lionsgate were reportedly working together on a television series back in 2013 that would've served as a sequel to the first movie. It would've been set in present day and would've featured an older Patrick Bateman grooming an apprentice to be just like him. This and the television project now both appear to be in development hell. (2/9/23)

Lionsgate hasn't given the official greenlit on this project, as its still in the very early stages of development. (12/8/11)

Noble Jones was previously attached to this project as writer/director. This would have been his feature film debut, after helming several commercials and music videos for artists such as Taylor Swift and Mary J. Blige. He most recently handled second unit directing duties for David Fincher's The Social Network.

Originally said to be a "down and dirty new version that imagines how yuppie serial killer Patrick Bateman would fare in New York today."

The original spawned a critically-panned 2002 straight-to-video sequel that starred Mila Kunis.

Instead of a direct remake of the 2000 film with the same name, this project is being described as a "new adaptation" of the Bret Easton Ellis novel.