Christian Bale almost lost the role of Patrick Bateman to Brad Pitt. American Psycho is one of the greatest horror thriller movies ever made. But interestingly, the movie went through a lot of hurdles before its release and there were a number of faces considered for the role before Bale was confirmed. Despite of not being a box-office success, the movie developed a cult following.
American Psycho changed a lot of hands before its release. The writer of the original book on which the movie is based, Bret Easton Ellis revealed in an interview that the flick was also considered to rope in Brad Pitt. Before landing on the hands of Mary Harron, it was supposed to show director David Cronenberg collaborating with the Fight Club actor.
Brad Pitt was this close to leading in the American Psycho
Brad Pitt can be regarded as one of the top-class actors in Hollywood with some of the most iconic movies under his collar. The star was also considered for the role of the good-looking serial killer by David Cronenberg.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, it was stated by Bret Easton Ellis himself that Cronenberg’s version had Brad Pitt in it but that could never be successful due to creative differences. Surprisingly, the director popular for his expertise in “body horror” didn’t show any interest in the violent aspects of the story.
“David was lovely – is lovely, I still like David – but he had strange demands. He hated shooting restaurant scenes, and he hated shooting nightclub scenes. And he didn’t want to shoot the violence. I ignored everything he said. So, of course, he was disappointed with it and he hired his own writer; that script was worse for him and he dropped out.”
And just like that, American Psycho added up to the list of Brad Pitt as one of the projects that he lost. On the other hand, it is also notable that even Leonardo DiCaprio was considered for the role before the Titanic actor himself turned that down.
Why did Leonardo DiCaprio turn down American Psycho?
Leonardo DiCaprio was one of the topmost picks for American Psycho. The Don’t Look Up star’s casting even led the director Mary Harron to be fired temporarily as she thought that DiCaprio was not a right fit for the role.
But unlike the makers, Leonardo DiCaprio was also not very keen on doing a movie that was already very controversial due to its portrayal of violence towards women. It was also reported that DiCaprio was personally advised not to do the movie as that might hamper his popularity among the girls which he gained after Titanic. The Inception star also added that he didn’t find any depth in American Psycho.
“Eventually, I realized it didn’t amount to anything and didn’t mean anything in the end,” he said.”
After the rejection by DiCaprio, the director’s chair went to Mary Harron once again and Christian Bale was brought in as the killer with good looks. Not only that but over the years, the movie became nothing less than historical.
American Psycho can be rented on Apple TV+.
Source: Rolling Stone
