Austin Butler: From “Elvis” to “American Psycho,” the meteoric rise of a rising star

Hollywood has a new king, and this time he’s not a monarch. After playing Elvis Presley in an acclaimed biopic, Austin Butler is set to take on an equally iconic, but radically different role. The American actor will play Patrick Bateman in a new adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ cult novel American Psycho , directed by Luca Guadagnino. This casting is both bold and promising, both for the actor and for the Italian director, known for his visually captivating and psychologically profound approach.

Patrick Bateman: a modernized myth

The role of Patrick Bateman, brilliantly played by Christian Bale in Mary Harron's 2000 adaptation, is an absolute reference in the register of ambiguous characters. Bateman is more than a simple psychopath: he is the symbol of the existential void and exacerbated materialism of the 80s. Luca Guadagnino's vision promises to dust off this icon to inscribe it in contemporary anxieties.

Austin Butler, with his magnetic presence and nuanced acting, seems cut out for the role. Guadagnino, known for works like Call Me By Your Name and Suspiria , has a talent for exploring the psychological and aesthetic nuances of the character. What might a Patrick Bateman of the 2020s look like, in a world of social media and identity crises? This question is already piquing the curiosity of moviegoers.

The rise of an outsider to stardom

Austin Butler didn't rise to fame overnight. Born in California in 1991, he started out as an actor on Disney and MTV shows, accumulating minor and often forgettable roles. For years, he remained on the fringes of major Hollywood projects, known more for his romantic relationships than his on-screen performances.

The first spark came with Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood in 2019. Butler played Tex Watson, a member of Charles Manson's cult, in a secondary but striking role. This stint under Tarantino's direction opened a new era for him, propelling him into more serious spheres. But it was with Baz Luhrmann's Elvis (2022) that his career exploded. For three years, he literally transformed himself into the King of Rock'n'Roll, capturing the essence and gestures of Elvis Presley with an almost obsessive intensity.

This role earned him international recognition and several prestigious awards, including a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. More importantly, it showed the world that he was not just a Hollywood “hunk,” but an actor capable of memorable and daring performances.

From Dune to American Psycho: A New Chapter

After Elvis , Austin Butler refuses to be pigeonholed. In 2024, he surprised audiences with his chilling portrayal of Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two . Gone is the romantic charm: Butler becomes a terrifying villain, proving his ability to reinvent himself. This role marks a transition to darker and more complex characters.

The announcement of his casting as Patrick Bateman is part of this logic. This iconic role represents a colossal challenge: how to match, or even surpass, Christian Bale's masterful performance? But Butler seems ready to take on the challenge, strong in his total immersion in each role he plays.

Luca Guadagnino and American Psycho: a perfect combination

The choice of Luca Guadagnino to direct this remake adds an extra layer of excitement. The director is renowned for his ability to explore the intricacies of the human soul while delivering a stunning visual aesthetic. His works, often marked by sensual tension and emotional depth, seem tailor-made to reinterpret Bateman's cold and brilliant universe.

By giving Butler the lead role, Guadagnino is banking on a young star who has proven she can reinvent herself and immerse herself fully in her characters. Their collaboration promises a version of American Psycho that is both faithful to the original text and resolutely modern.

Why this role could redefine Butler's career

Patrick Bateman is more than just a character: he’s a cultural icon, a role that can make or break a career. For Butler, this project represents a unique opportunity to solidify his status as a must-see actor. After exploring the vulnerability of Elvis and the raw violence of Feyd-Rautha, Bateman will allow him to navigate these two poles, oscillating between seduction and monstrosity.

The timing is also perfect. At 33, Butler is at a pivotal point in his career, where every choice could either strengthen or hinder his rise. By taking on such a complex role, he shows that he is not afraid to take risks, a trait few actors of his generation dare to display.

An eagerly awaited remake

The announcement of this remake has already divided fans. Some fear that it is pointless to revisit an already cult work, while others applaud the audacity of Guadagnino and Butler. But beyond the debates, this project is a testament to Hollywood's ability to reinvent its classics for a new generation.

And you, what do you think of this casting? Will Austin Butler be able to match Christian Bale's interpretation or will he offer a new dimension to the character? One thing is for sure: the wait has only just begun.