Mumbai, Oct 29 (NationPress) The speculation surrounding the Hollywood classic ‘American Psycho’ undergoing a gender transformation has been definitively addressed. Recently, it was suggested that director Luca Guadagnino, known for his Queer perspective, would introduce a female iteration of Patrick Bateman in his adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’s iconic 1991 thriller novel.

While rumors indicated that Margot Robbie was being considered for the lead role, Guadagnino is still on the lookout for his Bateman. Previous contenders for the part included Austin Butler and Jacob Elordi, as reported by Female First UK.

American Psycho narrates the story of Patrick Bateman, portrayed by Christian Bale, a prosperous investment banker in Manhattan who conceals his psychopathic tendencies and violent urges beneath a polished exterior of charm and material wealth. As his obsession with status intensifies, his grip on reality deteriorates, revealing the hollowness and brutality of the consumer culture of the 1980s.

Deadline was the first to dispel the gender-swap rumors. Guadagnino's version of American Psycho has been penned by writer Scott Z. Burns, who has previously hinted that the script is “coming out very handsomely.”

During a segment at CinemaCon, Guadagnino expressed, “We are diligently working on a new adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’s ‘American Psycho’, a book that I profoundly admire, which has significantly influenced me. Scott Z. Burns is doing an exceptional job, and the script is shaping up beautifully.”

While the director has not disclosed any cast details for his version of American Psycho, he mentioned that he is currently in discussions with some “exciting performers” for the leading roles.

Luca Guadagnino’s rendition of American Psycho will mark the second film adaptation of Ellis's book, the first being the renowned 2000 film. The original featured Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, alongside Jared Leto as Paul Allen, Willem Dafoe as Detective Donald Kimball, Chloe Sevigny as Jean, Reese Witherspoon as Evelyn Williams, and Matt Ross as Luis Carruthers.

The forthcoming film will not be a straightforward remake of the 2000 version; instead, Guadagnino’s adaptation aims to present a novel perspective on the narrative, with a stronger focus on its erotic elements. Lionsgate film chief Adam Fogelson has lauded Guadagnino as the “ideal visionary” to helm this new take on American Psycho.

He stated, “We are excited to include another elite filmmaker in our upcoming slate. Luca is an extraordinary artist and the perfect visionary to create a fresh interpretation of this classic and potent intellectual property.”

After the announcement of the new American Psycho film, Matt Ross acknowledged that Guadagnino has a challenging task ahead to meet the high standards set by the original film.