Asdirector Luca Guadagnino is setto create his vision ofAmerican Psycho, many have been trying to envision what the project could look like. The originalAmerican Psychois a classic in its own right, with a stunning performance from Christian Bale. These are big shoes to fill, and while the details on the new project are scarce, beyond knowing the remake is set to be closer to Bret Easton Ellis’s novel, a lot remains unknown.The biggest question is who will play Patrick Bateman; here are our top six picks to fill the role.
Jacob Elordi
Known for The Kissing Booth, Euphoria, Priscilla, Saltburn
It seems as if a running favorite for the role of Patrick Bateman isJacob Elordi, known for his starring role in HBO’sEuphoria. The 27-year-old star starred alongside Barry Keoghan in 2023’sSaltburn, a film that saw plenty of success when it was released. He continued a strong year in 2023 withPriscilla, starring alongside Cailee Spaeny in the Sofia Coppola-directed picture. The actor recently worked with Guadagnino in an ad campaign for Chanel No. 5, and he fits the same look that Christian Bale went with for his Bateman interpretation.
Aaron Pierre
Aaron Pierreis becoming one of the break-out actors of 2024 after his career-defining performance in Netflix’sRebel Ridge.Pierre certainly has the physique and swagger to pull off the elitist side of Patrick Bateman. Pierre can carry the needed intimidating persona into the role, and we believe he will also be able to bring the dark comedic beats necessary for anAmerican Psychoremake. WithPierre set to play John Stewart inLanterns,American Psychocould offer a different project for the actor to tackle next.
Dacre Montgomery
Known for Stranger Things, Elvis, Went Up the Hill
Australian actorDacre Montgomeryhas developed a dedicated fanbase, looking for him to push himself into more complex roles, andAmerican Psychocould be the perfect fit. While best known for his role inStranger Things,his recent performance inWent Up the Hillis the perfect example of the actor able to tackle characters with deep psychological depth. Of course, his charming good looks don’t hurt in filling the role of the image-obsessed Bateman.
Patrick Bateman Is Not the Scariest Character in American Psycho
Yes, Patrick Bateman is terrifying in American Psycho, but in hindsight, someone else makes this film a lot worse.
LaKeith Stanfield
Known for Sorry to Bother You, Knives Out, Selma
It will take a lot of versatility to play Patrick Bateman, and what actor has proven their range more thanLaKeith Stanfield? Stanfield has a knack for tackling various genres, from the drama ofJudas and the Black Messiahto the surreal comedySorry to Bother You;we believe that the actor can manage the range needed to make a convincing Bateman. LaKeith Stanfield is currently involved in multiple pre-production projects, but if the stars align, he would be an ideal fit forAmerican Psycho.
Bill Skarsgård
Known for It, Barbarian, John Wick: Chapter 4
Maybe Patrick Bateman could be the next step after the much-hypedRobert EggersNosferatuwhere he is set to play Count Orlok; Bill Skarsgård has undoubtedly proven himself able to step into the shoes of various monsters.Skarsgård’s ability to embody darker characters is almost unparalleled, and we can see him juggling Patrick Bateman’s various dark and materialistic obsessions with ease. The actor can also bring a certain sadness to his characters, as seen in his role as Marquis de Gramont inJohn Wick: Chapter 4.
Mackenzie Davis
Known for Terminator: Dark Fate, Black Mirror, Blade Runner: 2049
If the newAmerican Psychois closer to the book than the original film, it would be hard to imagine that they would not go with a man in the lead role. However, if they change it up and go with a woman in the lead, we would want it to beMackenzie Davis. Davis pulled off an intimidating figure, Grace, inTerminator: Dark Fate, which we can see her carrying intoAmerican Psycho. However,her underrated performance in the phenomenal psychological thrillerAlways Shineshows the actor is ideally suited to handle that complex mix of vanity and crueltythat Patrick Batmen is capable of.
