Though Christian Bale had been the first choice for the part by both Ellis and Harron, the role amused him after his agent told him that the role would be a "professional suicide", the producers also offered the part to the likes of Keanu Reeves, Edward Norton, and Brad Pitt. Leonardo DiCaprio was set to play the character, but Ellis (as explained in the American Psycho DVD) decided he would appear too young, especially immediately after Titanic. In addition, his managers thought the role was "too violent" and could potentially hurt his career.