- Italian director is set to direct a new interpretation of Bret Easton Ellis’ controversial 1991 novel
- Scott Z. Burns will write the script for the new adaptation
- The novel was originally censored in several countries for its graphic depictions of violence
Fresh from the towering success of ‘Challengers’ and the upcoming release of his adaptation of William Burroughs’ 1985 short novel ‘Queer’, Luca Guadagnino is showing no signs of resting on his laurels. In fact, the Italian director looks set to continue his boundary pushing artistry with a new interpretation of Bret Easton Ellis’ Huey Lewis and The News loving, chainsaw dropping carnival of gore and depravity, American Psycho.
The controversial 1991 novel, which focused on the descent into murderous madness of Manhattan yuppie Patrick Bateman, was so gratuitously violent that several countries censored it. It would eventually be adapted into a film in 2000, with Christian Bale in the lead role as Bateman.
But now Guadagnino, with the help of a new script devised by Scott Z. Burns (The Bourne Ultimatum, Contagion) is set to adapt the early ’90s cult classic into a newly imagined film for Lionsgate.
“We are thrilled to add another elite filmmaker to our upcoming slate,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson. “Luca is a brilliant artist, and the perfect visionary to create a whole new interpretation of this potent and classic IP.”
Guadagnino, who’s ‘Queer’ will be released by A24 on November 27 and will feature at London Film Festival this week, scored huge critical and commercial success with his Zendaya led ‘Challengers’, earlier this year, while other recent offerings such as ‘Bones and All’, Suspiria and Call Me By Your Name, have cemented the 53-year-old as one of the most vital directors of his generation.
No casting decisions or rumours have been forthcoming as of yet, although filming is expected to begin at some point in 2025.
