'American Psycho' TV sequel in the works at FX

FX is developing a TV-series sequel to Bret Easton Ellis’ controversial modern classic American Psycho.

The novel told the story of a wealthy young investment banker in the late 1980s who moonlit as a serial killer. A film version starring Christian Bale was released in 2000. The FX version will be set years after the events in the book and star a Bateman in his 50s who takes on a new apprentice.

The official logline: “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.”

The project will be written by Stefan Jaworski and co-produced by Lionsgate and FX. Allison Shearmu, Jaworski and Ed Pressman are executive producers.

If greenlit to series, American Psycho would continue a serial killer trend on the airwaves right now, including A&E’s Bates Motel, NBC’s Hannibal and Fox’s The Following. The titles have drawn some controversy for contributing to TV violence, but the genre has proven this last year that it can deliver ratings.

Presumably coincidentally, the FX show would also continue a title streak on the cable network. FX first launched horror-thriller American Horror Story, then spy thriller The Americans and is now working on American Psycho. Perhaps FX and USA Network should trade names?

Here’s a fan-favorite scene from the American Psycho film. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to return some videotapes.