American Psycho TV Series to be Developed

The Bret Easton Ellis classic novel and blockbuster film American Psycho is to be developed into a TV series by FX.

The series is to be co-produced by FX and Lionsgate TV and will focus on the main character, Patrick Bateman (played by Christian Bale in the 2000 film adaptation), whose psychotic exploits were documented in the novel and film. The official logline for the show says: “In the new drama series, iconic serial killer Patrick Bateman, now in his mid-50’s but as outrageous and lethal as ever, takes on a protégé in a sadistic social experiment who will become every bit his equal — a next generation American Psycho.”

This is not the first time buzz about Lionsgate revisiting American Psycho has popped up. Back in 2011, Lionsgate announced a potential remake of the 2000 film but nothing has been heard since. The last that was heard of the franchise was the direct-to-dvd sequel, American Psycho 2, starring Mila Kunis.

However, it seems the franchise has regained some steam as Lionsgate’s former president of Feature Films, Alison Shearmur (Hunger Games: Catching Fire), is to be an Executive Producer alongside Ed Pressman and the series’ writer Stefan Jarowski (Those Who Kill).

The American Psycho update comes at a time when serial killers are big business in TV. Showtime’s Dexter is on the way out with just two episodes to go, including the hotly anticipated series finale, and Norman Bates is to make a return to screens in Universal’s Bates Motel, a prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho.  Those looking for longevity from the American Psycho series should be hopeful, as the serial killer genre has proved to be a real ratings magnet over the last few years.

As of writing, there is no comment on who will star in the TV series, and what sort of involvement, if any, Bret Easton Ellis will have.