The anticipation surrounding the remake of “American Psycho,” under the direction of Luca Guadagnino, has intensified, particularly regarding the role of Patrick Bateman. Patrick Schwarzenegger has emerged as a frontrunner in the speculation, especially following his notable performance in “The White Lotus” season three. In April, he added to the buzz by enthusiastically responding to a fan’s suggestion on social media, expressing a keen interest in the role.
Initially, there were discussions about Oscar nominee Austin Butler possibly taking on the character, but reports indicate he was never a serious contender. In contrast, Schwarzenegger’s name persistently appears in conversations about the casting, with producers reportedly intrigued by him. Despite his lack of experience as the lead in a major studio film, his rising profile could position him well for the role. The comparison to Christian Bale is significant; he was not a familiar face in blockbusters before his iconic portrayal of Bateman in the 2000 movie.
Schwarzenegger’s upcoming role in Amazon MGM’s romantic drama “Love of Your Life,” alongside Margaret Qualley, could further elevate his status in the film industry. This potential boost in visibility may ease concerns about his experience in leading major productions.
It’s important to note that Guadagnino’s adaptation of “American Psycho” is not a direct remake of the 2000 film but aims to provide a fresh interpretation of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel. This new version is expected to emphasize the novel’s erotic elements over the horror satire that characterized the original.
While Guadagnino is currently engaged with other projects, including “Artificial,” which delves into the story of Sam Altman and OpenAI, the excitement around “American Psycho” continues to grow, particularly with the intriguing possibility of Schwarzenegger stepping into a role that has become a cultural touchstone.