According to multiple recent entertainment news outlets, Margot Robbie is in advanced discussions to star as a gender-swapped version of the iconic character Patrick Bateman in a planned remake of the cult thriller American Psycho.
The remake appears to contemplate a major twist: instead of a male investment-banker-by-day, serial-killer-by-night (played by Christian Bale in the original 2000 film), the central figure might now be female — a role the rumor suggests Robbie would take on.
What’s Confirmed — and What’s Speculation
- The project is being developed by director Luca Guadagnino and is described as a “re-imagining” rather than a strict remake of the 2000 adaptation of American Psycho (novel) by Bret Easton Ellis.
- Robbie is “in the frame” or “in talks” for the role, but no official casting announcement has been made.
- The idea of switching the gender of the lead character is being discussed as part of the development, offering an opportunity to reinterpret the themes of the original story.
Why This Is Provocative
The original American Psycho (2000) drew attention for its satirical take on 1980s yuppie culture, wealth, masculinity and violence. A female lead version would shift the lens significantly — changing how we might view the character’s power, identity, and social role. Industry analysts believe this could freshen the story while prompting new conversations around gender and violence in the corporate world.
Potential Pitfalls and Questions
- Purists of the original film and novel may balk at changing the fundamental identity of the lead character.
- The success of the new version may hinge on how well it justifies the gender swap in the narrative and how it retains the original’s commentary rather than simply transplanting the story.
- With only rumors in play, there’s still time for the project to shift—whether in casting, direction, or approach.
What to Watch For
- Official confirmation from Robbie, the studio, or director.
- Details on the character’s name, setting and how the story will be adapted or updated.
- Whether other cast members from the original or new faces join the project.
- A release timeframe or production schedule.
- How the remake positions itself tonally: faithful homage, radical re-imagining or somewhere in between.
Bottom Line
While nothing is yet locked in, the rumor that Margot Robbie could take on a gender-swapped version of Patrick Bateman in the upcoming American Psycho remake is generating considerable buzz. If the project moves forward as rumored, it promises to be one of the more daring re-imaginings in recent Hollywood memory — blending star power, genre shock-value and social commentary.
