As you get older, you start to notice that everything you once enjoyed is often updated or reimagined – it’s just part of life. Late in 2024, it was announced that director Luca Guadagnino will be making a new version of Bret Easton Ellis’s controversial thriller, American Psycho. This film, like Fight Club, is known for sparking a lot of debate. Considering how much the world has changed recently, a fresh look at the story feels particularly relevant right now.
Despite being a strong adaptation with a standout performance by future Oscar winner Christian Bale (who landed the role after Leonardo DiCaprio turned it down), a new remake of American Psycho faces an uphill battle to justify its existence. Director Luca Guadagnino and star Austin Butler, though inspired choices, need to convince audiences that a fresh take is necessary. Justin Theroux, who played Timothy Bryce in the original film, has now voiced his concerns, questioning the need for a remake.
I’m not sure why they’d just redo it exactly as before. But they’ve assembled a talented cast, so I’m generally on board with the idea.
Justin Theroux Says American Psycho Was Misunderstood
One of the difficulties in revisiting American Psycho today is how often it’s misinterpreted. Similar to Fight Club, the film’s message seems to have been deliberately missed. Instead of seeing Patrick Bateman as a terrifying villain, many now view him as a sort of hero, much like Gordon Gekko from Wall Street has become a role model for some. Actor Theroux, speaking after the finale of Fallout Season 2, shares this perspective.
What I’ve noticed about that movie is that a lot of people, especially around Halloween, dress up as Patrick Bateman but completely miss the point. It’s become a sort of trendy costume, and it reminds me of how people misunderstood Archie Bunker. They seem to forget that Archie Bunker was supposed to be the villain – he was a satirical character, not someone to admire.
Archie Bunker, the famously opinionated father from All in the Family, is now sometimes seen as embodying traditional American values instead of simply being a prejudiced character. Interestingly, he served as a model for the creation of Eric Cartman from South Park. Louis Theroux discussed how reimagining characters like Bateman (from American Psycho) and Bunker for a new remake presents a challenge, requiring a fresh layer of modern satire to avoid misinterpretation.
It’s surprising to me that Patrick Bateman, the character from American Psycho, has become a role model, especially considering the satirical nature of the story – similar to how All in the Family‘s Archie Bunker or the world of Fallout were meant to be seen. I’m hoping the upcoming remake is truly original and challenges the existing portrayal, rather than simply retelling the same story. A sharp, provocative script with a fresh perspective is what’s needed, instead of just a rehash of familiar themes. I really hope they expand on the original ideas and offer something new.
Hopefully the team pulls it off! What are your thoughts? Share them in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-02-06 19:10