Margot Robbie to Star as Serial Killer in Controversial Horror Film Reboot

Margot Robbie is reportedly in talks to star in a gender-swapped reboot of a very controversial horror film.

The Barbie actress, 35, is in ‘advanced discussions’ to star in a remake of the controversial 2000 film American Psycho. 

The original starred Christian Bale as notorious serial killer Patrick Bateman, but the reboot will see Margot taking on the starring role, according to The Sun.

Based on the 1991 novel by Bret Easton Ellis, American Psycho follows an image-obsessed investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer. 

Both the novel and film were met with considerable backlash upon release due to graphic depictions of violence.

‘A remake of American Psycho is in the works and Margot is in the frame to play a female version of Patrick Bateman,’ a film source told the publication. 

‘Bret’s novel and the film were so controversial and the people working on the remake wanted to twist the narrative by having a female actress take on the lead of Bateman.’

The source added that gender-swapping the roles would silence critics, with many slamming the source material as ‘misogynistic’. 

‘There was a huge backlash about misogyny when the novel came out back in the Nineties. And by having a female killer, it puts a different spin on the crimes,’ they said.

‘Taking on a role this gritty will really show what a sensational actress [Margot] is.’

The source said that details about the reboot were still being ‘ironed out’ but those involved were ‘excited’ to start production.    

It seems like it may be the role Margot was born to play, with the actress starring in a 2016 spoof of American Psycho.

The short, shot for Vogue magazine, features Margot parodying Christian Bale’s infamous character.

The clip sends up an iconic scene from the film in which Patrick Bateman outlines his  fastidious morning routine.

‘My name is Margot Robbie. I’m 25 years old. I live in a charming little five-bedroom in Beachwood Canyon,’ she says, staring blankly into the mirror.

‘I believe in taking care of myself. In a balanced diet. In a rigorous exercise routine,’ she continues, opening her fridge to reveal nothing but a jar of Vegemite.

‘In the morning, if my face is a little puffy, I’ll hold two cold spoons dipped in lapsang souchong over my eyes,’ she adds.

‘I like to meditate while I work on my core, even though I was born with a six-pack.’

Margot adds: ‘There is an idea of Margot Robbie – some kind of abstraction. But there is no real me, only an entity, something illusory. I simply am not there.’ 

She recently opened up about experiencing imposter syndrome in Hollywood, fearing her film career could be ‘taken away’ at any moment.

Speaking with The Mirror in September about her success in Tinsel Town, Margot admitted that she was aware that her time on the screen could come crashing down in the blink of an eye. 

‘Is there a moment where I thought it was all sorted now? No, I think every time I’m like, “Oh, God, it’s all going to be taken away, I won’t get to do this again, this is the last time”,’ she revealed.

‘I have this complete crisis of faith every time, “What am I doing?” I freak out every time. I care so much, for sure.’

Additionally, the 35-year-old revealed that her fear of being booted by Hollywood has led her to avoid using her native accent in films.

‘I haven’t done it since Neighbours and now I feel like I use accents to kind of hide myself in a character,’ she said.

‘There will be a day, and I think I’m getting close to it. I did contemplate it for a second and then thought, “Oh, it’s too much”.’

Margot’s next major project is a highly anticipated adaptation of Wuthering Heights, directed by Saltburn’s Emerald Fennell and co-starring fellow Aussie Jacob Elordi.

The first trailer, released earlier this month, has already sparked controversy for its highly sexualised and provocative take on the 19th-century classic.

Reports from a test screening in Dallas described the film as ‘aggressively provocative’ and ‘tonally abrasive’, with hypersexualised imagery and scenes designed to shock audiences.

Despite the backlash, insiders say Margot and Jacob’s on-screen chemistry remains strong, even if their characters are ‘unlikeable’.

The film is slated for release in February 2026, and all eyes will be on Margot to see if she can bounce back from this cinematic stumble.