Critics Are Wrong About the Female Director Argument- 3 Actors Who Can Replace Christian Bale to Make Luca Guadagnino’s American Psycho a Hit

Luca Guadagnino is set to direct a new interpretation of American Psycho for the big screen. Christian Bale’s 2000 adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ original novel was helmed by Mary Harron, who also wrote the screenplay alongside Guinevere Turner. Harron’s film is a cult hit and fans aren’t happy that Guadagnino is directing a “remake.”

However, Lionsgate has enlisted Scott Z. Burns to write the screenplay, which will stay close to the original material, unlike Harron’s film. Moreover, some fans are against the move, sharing that the success of Bale’s movie stemmed from the female vision behind it, namely Harron and Turner.

Luca Guadagnino Can Pull Off A Modern American Psycho Despite Criticisms

According to Variety, Luca Guadagnino is in final negotiations to helm the modern adaptation of American Psycho for Lionsgate. Extrapolations and Side Effects fame Scott Z. Burns will write the new script based on Bret Easton Ellis’ novel. Guadagnino has been a pretty busy man this year, working on his multiple projects.

His last film in theater was Challengers, starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist, which was a critical and commercial success. His next film with James Bond actor Daniel Craig, Queer, will be released in theaters on November 27 by A24. Moreover, he is also working with Julia Roberts in the film After the Hunt.

Despite the wide criticisms on the internet about remake fatigue, Guadagnino is one director who would be able to make something on par with Christian Bale‘s 2000 film. The director had earlier taken on the remake of Suspiria and made it even better than the original, though not all critics might agree to that. Many fans are also probably wrong in pointing out the need for a female director like Mary Harron for this project.

They believe that it was the female perspective into the serial killer character that made it into a fantastic film. However, Guadagnino’s reputation in the past makes him a good candidate for such a project. Some of the fan reactions to this announcement read:

One of the most appealing aspects of American Psycho to me is that it was directed by a woman and you can tell lol https://t.co/tzahwdjhO7

— eMJayCee (@Campbino) October 18, 2024

american psycho worked BECAUSE it was directed by a woman. can we stop hiring luca guadagnino por everything please??? https://t.co/KSgQkGUbtc

— c (@filmcshow) October 18, 2024

Look, I LOVE Luca, but what makes the first American Psycho so fantastic was the double whammy of Marry Harron directing and Guinevere Turner writing so….kind of feels like someone is missing the point. (And if the goal is to actually adapt Ellis novel…..oof) https://t.co/UOeuW2thc3

— Kristen Lopez (@kristenlopez88) October 18, 2024

Luca Guadagnino American Psycho has rocked me to my core. Any other director would have me disappointed but the man who is singlehandedly bringing cinematic homoeroticism back into mainstream is actually an excellent choice

— Livia Rappaport (@livrappaport) October 18, 2024

I love Guadagnino but for me the best news about the new AMERICAN PSYCHO is that Scott Z Burns is writing it. SIDE EFFECTS is still one of the most brilliant scripts I've ever read. pic.twitter.com/qgAlpqzMsy

— H. Perry Horton (@hperryhorton) October 18, 2024

In 2022, Luca Guadagnino won the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival for his romantic horror film Bones and All. Guadagnino’s Call Me By Your Name was also nominated for Best Picture Oscar in 2018.

Who Can Replace Christian Bale In Modern American Psycho?

American Psycho was released almost two decades ago, exploring the topics of yuppie culture and consumerism in a black comedy setting. When the film hit theaters, audiences responded positively to Christian Bale’s portrayal. After Lionsgate’s new announcement, fans might be wondering who would play the new version of the critically acclaimed role. Here are some possible casting choices:

1. Jacob Elordi

When replacing Bale, Lionsgate is likely to cast a prominent name in the role. Jacob Elordi is the hot star of Hollywood right now and fans saw that he could easily turn into a bad boy after his role in Euphoria. Elordi is currently starring in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein.

2. Glen Powell

Glen Powell has already shown his box office power with films like Anyone But You and Twisters. Fans could easily see a Patrick Bateman version in the actor after his role in Richard Linklater’s Hit Man. Powell has a busy year ahead, starring in films like Huntington and the Hulu comedy series Chad Powers.

3. Drew Starkey

Drew Starkey is already playing a role in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film Queer opposite Daniel Craig. His previous collaboration with the director could easily land him in the role of Patrick Bateman. Fans also know the actor from the Netflix adventure series, Outer Banks, which has released the first part of its fourth season on October 10.

All three actors could potentially be great to play a character that Christian Bale made perfect with his incredible performance, when he was only starting out in the industry.

American Psycho is now available for streaming on Paramount+.