Bret Easton Ellis Teases Radical Reimagining of "American Psycho" Remake

Acclaimed author says new script by Scott Z. Burns will bear no resemblance to the 2000 cult classic film.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Bret Easton Ellis, the author of the original "American Psycho" novel, has revealed that the upcoming remake of the cult classic film will be a radical departure from the 2000 version directed by Mary Harron. According to Ellis, the new script by writer Scott Z. Burns completely rips up the original and rebuilds it from the ground up, with a vision that will bear no resemblance to the previous adaptation starring Christian Bale.

Why it matters

The original "American Psycho" film has developed a devoted cult following over the past 25 years, with Christian Bale's chilling performance as the sociopathic Wall Street banker Patrick Bateman considered one of the most iconic in modern cinema. A remake that completely reimagines the story and characters is a bold and risky move that will either captivate audiences or face intense scrutiny from fans of the original.

The details

Director Luca Guadagnino ("Call Me By Your Name", "Suspiria") signed on to helm the remake in 2024, with Scott Z. Burns ("Contagion") tapped to write the script. Several high-profile actors, including Austin Butler, Jacob Elordi, and Patrick Schwarzenegger, were reportedly eyed for the lead role of Patrick Bateman, but some have already passed on the project. According to Ellis, the new version will be a "completely different take" that abandons the blueprint of the 2000 film.

  • The original "American Psycho" film was released in 2000.
  • The remake is ramping up as the original hits its 25th anniversary in 2025.

The players

Bret Easton Ellis

The author of the original "American Psycho" novel, who has provided insights into the upcoming remake.

Luca Guadagnino

The director who signed on to helm the "American Psycho" remake in 2024.

Scott Z. Burns

The writer who has delivered a new script for the "American Psycho" remake, which Bret Easton Ellis says will be a completely different take on the story.

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What they’re saying

“A couple of high-profile actors, whom I can't name, have turned it down. I think maybe because they don't want to be in the shoes of Christian Bale.”

— Bret Easton Ellis, Author of the "American Psycho" novel

“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.”

— Bret Easton Ellis, Author of the "American Psycho" novel

The takeaway

The decision to completely reimagine "American Psycho" for a new generation is a bold and risky move that could either captivate audiences or face intense scrutiny from fans of the original cult classic. The involvement of acclaimed director Luca Guadagnino and writer Scott Z. Burns suggests the remake will offer a fresh and provocative take on the material, but the challenge will be in finding an actor who can redefine the iconic role of Patrick Bateman without inviting direct comparisons to Christian Bale's acclaimed performance.