Johnny Depp said no to this role in a horror film that froze the blood of the spectators

A prolific actor, Johnny Depp marked the history of cinema by playing in Pirates of the Caribbean, Sweeney Todd or Charlie and the chocolate factory. But he also missed a few opportunities, including playing a psychopath in one of the best thrillers of recent years.

It was in the early 2000s that Christian Bale achieved international notoriety by playing a terrifying golden-boy in American Psycho, based on the homonymous novel by Bret Easton Ellis. Patrick Bateman, 27, is a handsome, rich and intelligent man like all his Wall Street friends. He seems to lead a perfect life: he frequents the most chic restaurants, goes to trendy clubs and is engaged to the beautiful Evelyn Williams. But beneath this enviable appearance hides a true psychopath. After having killed tramps, prostitutes and models for free, he attacks his main rival, his colleague Paul Allen, whom he cuts up with an axe. Methodical and sure of himself, the golden-boy always finds a way to escape Inspector Donald Kimball. If Christian Bale was impeccable as a false gentleman, this role almost went to Johnny Depp.

Johnny Depp refused to play Patrick Bateman in American Psycho

When producer Edward R. Pressman acquired the adaptation rights to Bret Easton Ellis’ book in 1992, Johnny Depp was the first actor considered for the role of Patrick Bateman. But faced with multiple problems encountered during the pre-production phase, the actor had finally made the decision to leave the ship. After Johnny Depp chose to leave the project, the studios opted for Brad Pitt to embody Patrick Bateman under the leadership of filmmaker David Cronenberg. But after many disagreements with the production, Brad Pitt and the Canadian director ended up giving up on the project.

Leonardo DiCaprio could have played Patrick Bateman in American Psycho

Johnny Depp wasn’t the only actor production studios considered for the role of Patrick Bateman. Leonardo DiCaprio was also expected to join the team for the film, which was to be directed by Oliver Stone. A decision to which filmmaker Mary Harron was totally opposed. “Obviously, I think Leonardo DiCaprio is a great actor, but he was a bad choice for the role.” she said in an interview with vulnerability. “I thought Christian (Bale) was more appropriate and I was right: Leonardo was lugging a hell of a lot of baggage with him, because he had just come out of Titanic. You can’t take someone who is the idol of the girls from 14-15 years old and have him play Patrick Bateman”. Leonardo DiCaprio and Oliver Stone eventually pulled out of the project, leaving Mary Harron to take over the adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel.

Article written in collaboration with 6Médias