'American Psycho': 10 Stars Who Should Play Serial Killer Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino’s Movie
Lionsgate
Director Luca Guadagnino is set to remake the cult classic American Psycho, bringing a fresh perspective to Bret Easton Ellis' infamous serial killer, Patrick Bateman. From gender-swapped cast possibilities to the most chilling male leads, we've put together a list of ten actors and actresses who could redefine Bateman's iconic persona.
Reimagining Patrick Bateman
The Stars Who Could Redefine an Iconic Psychopath
Luca Guadagnino, the visionary director behind Call Me by Your Name and Suspiria, is diving into the world of consumerism, excess, and deadly obsessions with his take on American Psycho. As Guadagnino prepares to breathe new life into the cult classic, speculation about who might play Patrick Bateman has taken the film community by storm. The role, made legendary by Christian Bale's chilling portrayal in 2000, demands a unique combination of charm, charisma, and disturbing darkness.
Guadagnino’s adaptation promises to push boundaries even further than the original, perhaps exploring Bateman's world with a modern twist or even changing the character's gender. It's an exciting opportunity for fresh talent – male or female – to bring a different kind of menace to the infamous Wall Street banker. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of ten stars who could take up the role of the ice-cold killer, Patrick Bateman, offering their unique interpretation of the complex character.
With a fresh directorial perspective, we explore who might channel the enigmatic, materialistic, and terrifying personality of Patrick Bateman. Let’s dive in and look at some of the most exciting potential candidates.
10 Stars Who Should Play Patrick Bateman
Timothée Chalamet
(Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Fresh off Guadagnino's Bones and All, Timothée Chalamet has already proven he can explore darker themes. With his ability to mix vulnerability with a sinister edge, Chalamet could bring a chilling innocence to Patrick Bateman's character, making his turn even more unsettling.
Zendaya
Netflix
A gender-swapped Patrick Bateman played by Zendaya would be a fascinating choice. She’s shown incredible versatility in her roles, from HBO's Euphoria to Dune. Zendaya could bring an intense focus, making Bateman's violent spirals into a terrifying exploration of control and mania.
Austin Butler
Photographed by Daniel Arnold
Coming off his career-defining portrayal of Elvis Presley, Austin Butler could transform that charisma into something truly dark. His charm, paired with an unsettling undercurrent, would suit Bateman’s character – a predator masked as a Wall Street hotshot.
Anya Taylor-Joy
Chantal Anderson for The New York Times
Anya Taylor-Joy, with her ethereal yet unnerving screen presence, would be a thrilling choice. Her work in The Queen’s Gambit and horror films like The Witch showcases her ability to teeter between relatable and unnerving, making her a compelling female Bateman.
Robert Pattinson
Matthew Brookes for Variety
Known for his eclectic choices and love for playing morally ambiguous characters, Robert Pattinson would be a perfect Patrick Bateman. He’s already shown his ability to play unhinged characters in The Lighthouseand Good Time. Pattinson's Bateman could be unpredictable, suave, and terrifying.
Florence Pugh
Instagram/ Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh has displayed her range from dramas like Little Women to horror like Midsommar. As Bateman, Pugh could explore the duality of charm and ruthless violence. A female Patrick Bateman portrayed by Pugh would add new layers to the character, possibly making the contrast between charm and horror even starker.
Jacob Elordi
Getty Images
Euphoria's Jacob Elordi could easily embody Bateman’s Wall Street swagger and psychopathic tendencies. His tall, brooding presence combined with his work portraying toxic and troubled characters would make him a natural fit for Bateman’s chilling persona.
Emma Corrin
FX
Known for playing Princess Diana in The Crown, Emma Corrin has already shown an ability to balance vulnerability with emotional intensity. As Bateman, Corrin could bring a complex internal struggle to the surface, providing a unique perspective on Bateman’s sociopathic behavior.
Nicholas Hoult
Photo: Getty
Nicholas Hoult’s recent work in The Menu and The Great has shown his versatility in portraying both charm and darkness. Hoult could deliver a sophisticated and deeply unnerving Patrick Bateman, effortlessly moving between his public persona and hidden psychopathy.
Margaret Qualley
photographed by: Greg Williams
With roles in Maid and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Margaret Qualley has showcased a quirky and unpredictable edge. Qualley could bring an eerie, unpredictable energy to Bateman, playing the character as someone whose exterior charm belies a deeply fractured interior.
With Luca Guadagnino behind the new American Psycho,
the perfect Patrick Bateman could be anyone – even someone unexpected.
Casting the role of Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino’s remake of American Psycho is no easy task. The character is an intricate blend of polished charm, cold detachment, and explosive violence – a combination that only a few performers can truly embody. Whether Guadagnino opts for a classic male Bateman or takes a risk with a female interpretation, any of these actors or actresses could bring something fresh and deeply unsettling to the role.
Guadagnino has proven he is capable of creating hauntingly beautiful films with complex characters, and his take on American Psycho will surely be no different. Regardless of who ultimately dons the tailored suits and chilling demeanor of Patrick Bateman, fans of the novel and the original film can expect a nuanced, updated vision that reflects our current society's dark obsessions. Who would you like to see wield the axe this time around?
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