‘He’d have a podcast’: How Patrick Bateman became a hero to TikTok’s sigma males

Director Mark Taylor admits that his professional duties extend beyond casting and staging to include the unglamorous task of cleaning blood from the stage. This specific challenge defines the current revival of American Psycho A Musical Thriller, which returns to the Chapel Off Chapel venue this month following a sold-out run last year. The production features Conor Beaumont in the title role of Patrick Bateman, the fictional 1987 investment banker and serial axe murderer created by Bret Easton Ellis in 1991 and later portrayed by Christian Bale in the 2000 film adaptation. Taylor described the logistical difficulties of maintaining the set, noting that the polished black vinyl floor, chosen for its dramatic reflective qualities under stage lights, proved difficult to keep clean. During the previous iteration of the show, the fake blood used in performances was formulated with honey. Taylor stated that this mixture caused the theater to smell strongly and attracted ants. Beaumont recalled the sensory experience of performing violent scenes while being sprayed with the substance, describing it as a sickly sweet fluid that felt like sugar hitting his face during axe attacks. For the current run, the production team has adopted a new recipe for the prop blood to avoid these issues. The musical adaptation differs significantly in tone from the 2000 movie, presenting a campier and funnier narrative. The score includes synth-driven songs that critique capitalism and violence. On stage, a television screen displays various media, ranging from Jane Fonda workout videos to excerpts from Donald Trump’s book The Art of the Deal. Despite the comedic elements, the plot retains the core premise of the source material, depicting Bateman’s life as a wealthy Wall Street executive who commits murders. Beaumont, who previously played the character J.D. in a musical version of Heathers, finds the role physically demanding. He noted that he spends considerable time in the shower after each performance to wash the blood from his hair and skin. He explained that physically scrubbing the residue off his body helps him psychologically separate himself from the character. Although Bateman is defined by an obsessive focus on grooming, including almond body scrubs, face masks, and moisturizers, Beaumont views these routines as relatively modest compared to modern beauty standards. He contrasted the 1987 setting with today’s social media landscape, where influencers promote complex multi-step skincare regimens involving products like snail mucin. The production team initially anticipated attracting audiences consisting of theater enthusiasts, horror fans, and viewers familiar with the film. However, they encountered an unexpected demographic: younger men who discovered Patrick Bateman primarily through short-form video content on TikTok. Taylor observed that many of these attendees had consumed edited clips highlighting Bateman’s wealth, fashion, and morning routines without watching the full narrative. These viewers often identified with the character within the context of "sigma male" internet culture, viewing him as an aspirational figure rather than a satirical target. Taylor expressed surprise at how this segment of the audience engaged with the work, noting that many did not fully grasp the satirical intent of the piece until experiencing the complete performance. The relevance of Ellis’ novel has grown since its publication, according to the director. The original text was designed to mock the 1987 cultural obsession with status, appearance, and financial success. Today, the disparities in wealth and the influence of celebrity culture provide even more material for such satire. In 1987, the wealthiest individual globally was Japanese businessman Yoshiaki Tsutsumi, whose net worth stood at approximately 20 billion US dollars, equivalent to roughly 47 billion US dollars in current value. By comparison, Elon Musk currently holds assets exceeding forty times that amount and briefly held the status of a trillionaire. Additionally, the Tate brothers, who possess massive online followings, face legal charges related to rape and sex trafficking, yet maintain significant popularity among certain demographics. Beaumont, despite his frequent portrayal of unstable or dangerous young men, identifies as a dedicated fan of musical theater. His ideal role would be Orpheus in the production Hadestown. He emphasized that his personal interests diverge sharply from the violent and narcissistic traits of his character. The upcoming performances at Chapel Off Chapel offer a chance for audiences to witness the updated production, which aims to balance the dark subject matter with theatrical humor and musical energy. The cast and crew remain focused on delivering a polished performance while managing the practical challenges inherent in staging a bloody musical thriller.