Luca Guadagnino Directing a New Adaptation of ‘American Psycho’ for Lionsgate

The director of the 2018 remake of Dario Argento’s Suspiria, Oscar nominee Luca Guadagnino (Bones and All, Challengers) is in final negotiations to direct a brand new interpretation of the 1991 book American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis for Lionsgate, we’ve learned today.

Scott Z. Burns will be scripting the new movie, which is being described as a new adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’s aforementioned novel, rather than a remake of the 2000 movie.

The book was previously adapted by director Mary Harron from a screenplay by Harron & Guinevere Turner, with Christian Bale starring in that original (and iconic) movie adaptation.

In the tale, “A wealthy New York City investment banking executive, Patrick Bateman (played by Christian Bale in the 2000 movie), hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he delves deeper into his violent, hedonistic fantasies.”

The new film will be produced by Frenesy Films, executive produced by Sam Pressman, son of Edward R. Pressman, producer of the first adaptation, through his company Pressman Film.

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

Scott Z. Burns most recently created the Apple TV+ limited series “Extrapolations.” His many feature film screenwriting credits include The Report, Side Effects, and The Bourne Ultimatum.