Chloë Sevigny has expressed interest in returning as Jean, the character she portrayed in the 2000 adaptation of American Psycho, for Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film based on the same source material. Sevigny confirmed that she reached out to Guadagnino directly, suggesting she reprise her role using digital de-aging technology.
“I pitched to him that I should play Jean again and that they do that reverse-aging on me,” she said in a recent IndieWire interview. “I thought that would be something that he would be into, conceptually having the same actress play the same part.” According to Sevigny, Guadagnino responded by saying he was thinking of another role for her.
Casting for the film is ongoing. The role of Patrick Bateman, the affluent New York investment banker with a violent secret life, has not yet been filled. The original film featured Christian Bale as Bateman and was directed by Mary Harron. Guadagnino’s version, developed by Lionsgate, is being written by Scott Z. Burns.
Patrick Schwarzenegger has openly shown interest in taking on the lead role. The actor recently responded to a fan on X, formerly Twitter, who suggested Bateman could be his breakout role. “I’d love nothing more ;)” he replied. This is not the first time he has mentioned his enthusiasm. Following the initial announcement of the adaptation last October, Schwarzenegger described the part as his dream role.
Speculation around other potential candidates continues. Austin Butler has been named in some conversations, though no official announcements have been made. Casting director Kerry Barden, who worked on the 2000 film, recently weighed in on Butler’s potential, suggesting he might be more fitting for the role of Paul Allen, originally played by Jared Leto.
“I would cast Austin in Jared’s role because he’s that beautiful, and that’s why we cast Jared,” Barden said in an interview. “Jared is certainly a great actor as well, and obviously, Austin has a lot of depth as an actor, too. But not every person has that kind of beauty.”
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Rather than remaking the earlier film, Guadagnino’s project is described as a new interpretation of Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel. The story, told through the perspective of a Wall Street professional hiding a murderous alter ego, was controversial at the time of publication for its violence and stark portrayal of corporate detachment. It was censored in several countries and drew widespread attention upon release.
The original American Psycho film became a lasting part of early 2000s cinema and developed a growing following in the years since. Guadagnino’s involvement follows recent creative meetings with Lionsgate executives, who reportedly see his style and approach as a good match for the material.
Sevigny’s performance in the 2000 film was marked by quiet empathy and vulnerability, providing a contrast to Bateman’s emotionally vacant persona. Jean’s character, often regarded as one of the few people in the film not trapped by superficiality, remains a point of interest for viewers even two decades later.
Production timelines have not been disclosed. No release date has been announced.
