EXCLUSIVE: Even as he continues his festival run with his adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ Queer, Luca Guadagnino looks to have his sights set on another high-profile adaptation. Sources tell Deadline that he is in final negotiations for a new interpretation of the book American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis for Lionsgate. Scott Z. Burns will pen the adaptation. The Lionsgate film will be produced by Frenesy Films, and executive produced by Sam Pressman, the son of Edward R. Pressman, producer of 2002 original movie, through his company Pressman Film.
The novel by Ellis was a groundbreaking and controversial work when it was published in 1991, not only for its iconic Manhattan investment banker turned serial killer but also for its incredible attention to detail for the world it was entering, as well as the graphic violence its main character delivered, leading to it being censored in several countries.
While the first film starring Christian Bale and directed by Mary Harron has gained a following over the years, sources say that rather than a remake, Guadagnino’s film will be a new adaptation of Ellis’ novel. The property is something the studio has been trying to crack for some time, and following recent meetings with Guadagnino execs felt he was the perfect choice to bring a fresh take.
“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.”
Guadagnino’s most recent film, Challengers, starring Zendaya, opened No. 1 at the box office and overperformed with strong returns and reviews. His most recent film, Queer, starring Daniel Craig, will be released by A24 on November 27 and is on a festival run that includes its premiere at the London Film Festival this past week.
The filmmaker is currently in post on After the Hunt, starring Julia Roberts. Previous work includes I Am Love, Suspiria, Bones and All, A Bigger Splash and the Oscar-winning Call Me By Your Name. Guadagnino is represented by CAA, Range Media Partners, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher.
Burns most recently created the Apple TV+ limited series Extrapolations. His feature film screenwriting credits include The Report, Side Effects and The Bourne Ultimatum. It was also recently announced that he will create the series Thumblite for Netflix and Media Res, with Roasmund Pike to star.
Burns is represented by UTA, Range Media Partners, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner Auerbach Hynick Jaime LeVine Sample & Klein.
