Glen Powell has been busy lately with a number of new movies, but his most recent action hit stands out, especially because it includes a surprise audition for a much different film: American Psycho. Although Bret Easton Ellis’ horror novel was already adapted into a movie by Mary Harron in 2000, a remake is not entirely out of the question. In fact, SlashFilm reported that Lionsgate is allegedly planning an American Psycho remake, to some audiences’ dismay. However, if this project did get off the ground, Glen Powell may already have proven who should play Patrick Bateman.

Glen Powell may not be the first actor one thinks of when imagining the sadistic Patrick Bateman, but the actor should not be totally out of the question. In recent years, Powell has shown he can handle being a leading man. In 2022, he broke out as an action star in Top Gun: Maverick. The following year, he mastered the romantic comedy with Anyone but You. Now, he is taking up the mantel of a well-loved cult classic in Twisters. However, there is one Glen Powell movie performance that truly showcases his ability to play the iconic serial killer.

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One Glen Powell Hit Man Alias Parodies American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman

Powell Has Already Embodied Patrick Bateman

Glen Powell truly put his bid in to play Patrick Bateman during his recent action success, Hit Man. In the movie, Powell plays Gary, a mild-mannered professor who, due to his expertise in psychology, is pulled into becoming an undercover cop. Part of his job is to embody different hit man personas in order to get people to admit to murder-for-hire plots. Among the many characters that Powell puts on in this role, one is a clear parody of Christian Bale’s iconic portrayal of Patrick Bateman. It is also Powell’s unintentional audition for an American Psycho remake.

In the scene, Powell dons a suit and red tie, slicks back his hair, and does an eerily strong impression of Bale’s Patrick Bateman. It is not just the costuming or dialogue that makes Powell reminiscent of Bateman. His facial expressions and voice are the perfect embodiment of what Bale did in 2000. In many ways, Powell’s imitation is funny and entertaining, but it also raises a few questions. If Powell can so acutely portray Christian Bale’s Patrick Bateman, perhaps he could formulate his own version of the same character.

Glen Powell Would Be A Great Option For Patrick Bateman In An American Psycho Remake

Powell Has Star Power & Talent

Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) walking down the halls of his office lost in thought in American Psycho.

Overall, Glen Powell should be a top contender to play Patrick Bateman. Though his performance in Hit Man is a mere parody of Christian Bale’s performance, it’s still quite good. It shows Powell can pick up on Bateman’s quirks, and perhaps add some of his own. Acting aside, Powell would also be a great choice because of his rising fame and resume. The actor can obviously do action, but he has yet to foray into villains. Now that Glen Powell is taking on leading roles, it could be time for him to finally play the bad guy in American Psycho.

American Psycho

R
Crime
Documentary
Drama
Thriller

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Based on the book of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis, American Psycho follows Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) an investment banker in New York in 1987 who leads a double life as a serial killer. As investigators circle Bateman after the disappearance of a colleague, he finds himself trapped in a spiral of murder and excess, unable to stop himself from giving in to his increasingly dark urges. Also stars Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, Justin Theroux, and Reese Witherspoon. 

Director

Mary Harron

Release Date

April 13, 2000

Writers

Bret Easton Ellis
, Mary Harron
, Guinevere Turner

Cast

Jared Leto
, Reese Witherspoon
, Chloe Sevigny
, Willem Dafoe
, Justin Theroux
, Christian Bale