Despite being called “fake news” by author Bret Easton Ellis, a recent report suggests that Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming American Psycho movie is in the works, but not official just yet.

According to a new report from Jeff Sneider in his The InSneider newsletter, Guadagnino has still be working on his planned American Psycho film, and that writer Scott Z. Burns is expected to have a script ready to turn in sometime in the next few weeks. As for Austin Butler, who was reported to star in the movie as Patrick Bateman, his inclusion is not guaranteed as of yet, but Sneider notes Guadagnino has met with the actor, along with many others, about potentially starring in the movie.

Despite the work on the movie, Sneider’s report says that no official offers or contracts have been extended to anyone, meaning that, for now, the movie is not officially greenlit. Sneider reiterates that the project is very much real, though, and calls it a “priority” to Lionsgate.

What do we know about the potential new American Psycho movie?

Last year, it was reported that this film won’t be a remake of that one, however, and will instead be an entirely new adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel. Currently, no other information about the movie, including who may appear in it or when production is set to start, is known.

In a statement on the news, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson praised Guadagnino as a “brilliant artist” who they believed will do a great job.

“We are thrilled to add another elite filmmaker to our upcoming slate,” said Fogelson. “Luca is a brilliant artist, and the perfect visionary to create a whole new interpretation of this potent and classic IP.”

Guadagnino has been a busy man over the past two years. In 2022, the director released the romantic horror film Bones and All starring Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet. Last year, Guadagnino returned with Challengers, the romantic sports comedy-drama starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist. Guadagnino’s 2024 wasn’t over, either, as the director released historical romance drama Queer last November.

For Burns, his last credit comes as the creator of the Apple TV+ limited series Extrapolations. The writer has also been credited on a number of high-profile films and also created the upcoming Netflix series Thumblite.

(Source: The InSneider)