In recent months have come trade reports that “Challengers” and “Queer” film director Luca Guadagnino has been circling to direct a new adaptation of author Bret Easton Ellis’ infamous novel “American Psycho”.
Several stories have emerged that Austin Butler is rumored to star as the lead character Patrick Batman, taking on a role made famous by Christian Bale in the 2000 film adaptation directed by Mary Herron.
Now though, Ellis has shot down those reports claiming they’re all a complete fabrication and he’s not involved in anyway. Speaking on his podcast (via Word of Reel, he says:
“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.”
The book centers on wealthy, narcissistic and vain young Manhattan investment banker named Patrick Bateman who lives a double life as a serial killer. The work garnered notoriety for its graphic violence, leading it to be censored in multiple countries.
