Luca Guadagnino shuts down gender-swap rumors for American Psycho remake

Filmmaker Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming American Psycho reinterpretation is officially not being gender-swapped, despite recent online rumors. 

Sources close to the project confirmed that reports suggesting Margot Robbie was being considered to play a female version of Patrick Bateman are false.

The rumors began circulating after a UK tabloid claimed that Guadagnino’s new version of American Psycho would feature a gender-swapped lead. However, insiders have now clarified that the role of Patrick Bateman will remain male, staying true to Bret Easton Ellis’ original 1991 novel and the 2000 film adaptation directed by Mary Harron and starring Christian Bale.

Interest in the project has been high since it was first announced, with speculation swirling about who will take on the iconic role. Actors Austin Butler and Jacob Elordi have both been mentioned in online discussions, but no casting has been confirmed yet. Meanwhile, Chloë Sevigny, who played Jean in the original film, revealed earlier this year that she pitched Guadagnino to reprise her role, though the idea didn’t move forward.

The reimagining is being developed at Lionsgate, with Scott Z. Burns adapting the screenplay and Frenesy Films producing. Sam Pressman, son of original producer Edward R. Pressman, will serve as executive producer through Pressman Film.

Originally published in 1991, Ellis’ American Psycho remains one of the most controversial novels of its time, exploring the violent double life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York investment banker and serial killer consumed by greed, vanity, and psychosis. Guadagnino’s adaptation is expected to deliver a fresh, psychologically charged vision of the modern classic.