Patrick Schwarzenegger is making it clear that he’s gunning for the lead role in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming adaptation of American Psycho. Fresh off his acclaimed performance in HBO’s The White Lotus, Schwarzenegger has his sights set on stepping into the bloody shoes of Patrick Bateman, the infamous investment banker with a deadly double life, originally portrayed by Christian Bale in the 2000 film adaptation.
When a fan on X (formerly Twitter) suggested that Schwarzenegger should land the role, the actor responded with a cheeky but direct, “I’d love nothing more ;)”. This isn’t the first time he’s expressed interest; back in October 2024, when the project was first announced, he called playing Bateman his “dream” role.
The new film isn’t a simple remake of the cult classic but rather a fresh adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel, which shocked readers with its brutal depictions of violence and biting satire of Wall Street excess. The original book was banned in several countries, and the film, directed by Mary Harron, gained a massive following over time for its psychological edge and chilling performance by Bale.
Lionsgate has been exploring a new adaptation for years, and after recent meetings with Guadagnino, the studio believes he’s the perfect director to bring a bold, stylish twist to the infamous story. The upcoming script is being written by Scott Z. Burns, known for his work on Contagion.
Schwarzenegger has made no secret of his affinity for American Psycho, continuing to publicly voice his interest in the lead character. In response to an X user posting that playing Bateman could be Schwarzenegger’s “breakout role,” he replied with enthusiasm, adding a winking emoticon. This is not just a passing fancy; in 2021, he even dressed as Patrick Bateman for a Vanity Fair photo shoot celebrating notable films from the early 2000s.
Guadagnino praised Ellis’ book during a video segment at CinemaCon last month, noting, “The script from Scott Z. Burns is coming out very handsomely.” He also mentioned being in conversation with “very exciting performers to play the leads” but did not name anyone specifically.
Rumors circulated late last year about Austin Butler being eyed to play Patrick Bateman, but Schwarzenegger’s eagerness to take on the role has not gone unnoticed. Kerry Barden, casting director of Harron’s American Psycho, commented on Butler’s potential fit for the part, saying, “I would cast Austin in Jared [Leto’s] role because he’s that beautiful.”
As Schwarzenegger navigates his career following the buzz from The White Lotus, he’s expressed a desire to be patient in choosing his next projects. He stated, “I really want to find something that’s right,” emphasizing the importance of selecting roles that resonate with him. He hinted at working on something with a director he admires, hoping it will come to fruition later this year.
The anticipation surrounding Guadagnino’s adaptation of American Psycho is palpable. With its sharp critique of consumer culture, intense attention to detail, and infamous graphic violence, the original novel remains a literary and cinematic staple. The studio seems to think Guadagnino has just the right twisted sensibilities to bring Bateman back to life once again.
As the casting process unfolds, fans are left wondering who will ultimately don Bateman’s designer suits. While Schwarzenegger is clearly ready to suit up and slice through expectations, the decision remains in the hands of the filmmakers.
In a landscape where adaptations are often scrutinized, Guadagnino’s take promises to be a fresh perspective rather than a straightforward remake. As the film gears up for production, the excitement builds, leaving fans eager to see how this new vision of Bateman will unfold.
