‘American Psycho’ remake is “fake news”, says author Bret Easton Ellis

Bret Easton Ellis, the author of the novel American Psycho, has dismissed reports of a new adaptation of the film by Luca Guadagnino as “fake news”.

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Last October, it was announced that the Challengers filmmaker would be adapting the book, with the film planned to focus on the source material, rather than remake the 2000 film starring Christian Bale. Austin Butler had been reported to star as Patrick Bateman, the Wall Street investment banker who hides his psychopathic tendencies from the world.

However, Ellis has taken to his self-titled podcast to say he is doubtful about the veracity of the rumours. He cited unnamed sources that say the film is not close to starting production and the reports may have been to gauge public reaction.

“I have a feeling it’s fake news” Ellis explained. “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”.

He did however go on to say he has no direct contact with the production. “If it does exist, I am not involved” he said. “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.”

American Psycho was first adapted on film in Mary Harron’s 2000 version, starring Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman. The film deviates from the novel somewhat, but has gained a cult following over the years. There has been a stage version of the story since then, while a TV series was in development back in 2021.

Huey Lewis, the singer referenced in one of American Psycho’s most famous scenes, admitted he still hadn’t seen the film more than 20 years after its release.

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