Christian Bale's Likely Replacement for Classic Thriller Remake Confirmed

Ever since it was announced that Luca Guadagnino would be directing a new adaptation of American Psycho, speculation has been rife about who will get the unenviable task of filling Christian Bale’s shoes in the iconic role of Patrick Bateman. Now, one of the actors linked to the role may have accidentally let slip more than he intended.

The adaptation, written by Scott Z. Burns, was first announced back in 2024, and has seen a succession of casting rumors surrounding the main character. Patrick Schwarzenegger, Jacob Elordi, and Austin Butler have been linked to the role at various points, while the author of the original novel, Bret Easton Ellis, mentioned several “high-profile actors” have already turned down the role, saying: “I think maybe because they don’t want to be in the shoes of Christian Bale.”

Bale’s performance as Bateman in Mary Harron’s 2000 adaptation became irreversibly iconic. The performance became so closely associated with the character that the role will inevitably be compared to Bale, even if, as Ellis says, this version will be “completely different” to Harron’s film. Bale himself called the idea of remaking the film “bold” but gave the production his blessing, saying: “All the best to ’em, I like brave people,” before adding, “Whoever wants to give it a shot, give it a pop.”

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Jacob Elordi stars in Euphoria
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Now, Drew Starkey may have offered up the biggest hint yet that he could be the one facing this challenge. In an interview with GQ, the breakout star of Queer was asked about speculation that he could be taking on the role. Initially, Starkey stayed reticent, offering a coy “no comment” when the topic of his involvement came up, before letting slip that “the script is amazing though.” Apparently he then realized he’d said too much, letting loose with an expletive before clarifying:

“F***! I’ve read the script, but Luca’s my friend. I think I’ve read all his scripts.”

Drew Starkey as Rafe Cameron in The Outer Banks

It’s certainly not a confirmation that Starkey will play Bateman (and even if it were, that’s still not set in stone, see Austin Butler) but it’s considerably more intriguing than a flat denial. Starkey’s previous collaboration with Guadagnino on Queer makes him a particularly intriguing candidate, but his admission that he has read the new script makes this feel like a considerable step up from a simple casting rumor. He also told Interview Magazine that he was reading the Easton Ellis novel back in 2024, which may just be a coincidence but it all adds up!

For now at least, Starkey’s involvement remains unconfirmed, but if he’s read the script, then the Patrick Bateman casting problem may be closer than ever to being solved. Until then, all we can do is put on Hip To Be Square, reach for the raincoat, and wait for Guadagnino to finally reveal who will be making those reservations at Dorsia.