An ‘American Psycho’ Remake is in Development

The studio is meeting writers to hear pitches for a fresh stab at Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel, which was successfully brought to screens in 2000 starring Christian Bale.

Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman in 'American Psycho.' Photo: Lionsgate Films.

Preview:

Lionsgate is looking to make a new adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ American Psycho’.
The movie is at a very embryonic stage.
A remake of ‘The Dead Zone’ is also under discussion.

In 2000, Christian Bale hacked his way into cinematic history as the psychopathic Wall St. type Patrick Bateman, who shoved the “anti” well and truly into antihero for the adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ scathing satire of 1980s masculinity and consumer culture, ‘American Psycho’.

The movie, directed by Mary Harron based on a script she wrote with Guinevere Turner, has become a cult favorite, even as it faced criticism at the time for its seeming sexist attitude (an attitude it was entirely satirizing).

And it was followed by a hasty, wedged-together sequel, ‘American Psycho II: All American Girl’, which had pretty much zero to do with the original, Lionsgate essentially repurposing an unconnected script in an attempt to cash in on the success of Harron’s movie.

Now, though, the studio is aiming to take another crack at Ellis’ story.

American Psycho

"...no introduction necessary."

R1 hr 42 minJan 21st, 2000

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What’s the story of ‘American Psycho’?

Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman in 'American Psycho.' Photo: Lionsgate Films.

‘American Psycho’ follows Bateman, a wealthy New York City investment banking executive, who hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he delves deeper into his violent, hedonistic fantasies.

The movie also starred Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas, Jared Leto, Chloë Sevigny and Reese Witherspoon.

What is Lionsgate planning with ‘American Psycho’?

Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman in 'American Psycho.' Photo: Lionsgate Films.

According to Jeff Sneider’s The InSneider newsletter, Lionsgate is going the remake route, meeting writers to hear ideas for a new movie adaptation –– one that is crucially set in the present day.

While there’s a chance that losing the ‘80s consumerism critique might be an issue, there is plenty to be said about today’s politically-divided, corporate cronyism and social media-obsessed world. It’ll just need a smart writer to draw it out.

Who would star in the new movie?

Jacob Elordi on HBO's 'Euphoria.'

Though it is certainly far from the casting stage, that hasn’t stopped the ‘net from fan-casting the Bateman role, including gender-flipped versions starring Allison Williams or Jodie Comer, and the more predictable likes of Jacob Elordi and Glenn Howerton.

What else is under discussion for a remake?

Christopher Walken as Johnny Smith in 'The Dead Zone.' Photo: Paramount Pictures.

In addition to ‘American Psycho’, Lionsgate is also considering a new adaptation of Stephen King’s ‘The Dead Zone’.

The story focuses on high school teacher Johnny Smith, who wakes from a coma after a car accident to discover he has lost five years of his life and psychic powers. Foreseeing the future appears to be a gift at first but ends up causing problems.

David Cronenberg directed the 1983 big screen take on the story (with Christopher Walken as Johnny Smith), while a TV adaptation ran between 2002 and 2007, starring Anthony Michael Hall.

Much like the ‘Psycho’ plan, the ‘Dead Zone’ remake is still at a very early stage, with the studio looking for a writer.