Luca Guadagnino to direct new ‘American Psycho’ film for Lionsgate

Luca Guadagnino gets ready to explore a new take on Patrick Bateman.

The filmmaker is in negotiations to make a new film adaptation of Lionsgate’s 1991 film American psychopath by author Bret Easton Ellis. The book was previously adapted into a film by director Mary Herron with Christian Bale as the main character Bateman, and Lionsgate released it in theaters in 2000.

Scott Z. Burns is writing the script for the project which is being produced by Frenesy Films and is said to not be a remake of the first adaptation, but rather a new take on the novel. Sam Pressman of Pressman Films – whose father, Edward R. Pressman, produced the 2000 film – is executive producer of the new version.

“We are thrilled to add another elite filmmaker to our roster,” Adam Fogelson, chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement. “Luca is a brilliant artist and the perfect visionary to create a brand new interpretation of this powerful and classic IP.”

Guadagnino’s most recent film is the Amazon film Challengerswhich hit theaters in the spring, starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Fast. The filmmaker’s next film, Foreignstarring Daniel Craig and will be released in cinemas on November 27 on A24. Guadagnino is currently in post-production After the huntstarring Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield.

Burns most recently created the Apple TV+ series last year Extrapolationsfeaturing an ensemble cast including Meryl Streep, Sienna Miller, Kit Harington, Edward Norton, Diane Lane and Daveed Diggs. Burns directed the 2019 Amazon film The report and has writing credits including The Bourne Ultimatum.

Guadagnino is represented by CAA, Range Media Partners and Goodman Genow. Burns is repped by UTA, Range Media Partners and Jackoway Austen.