Show producers announced on Thursday (23Jul15) that the stage version of Bret Easton Ellis' controversial 1991 novel will have its debut in February, 2016, at an as-yet-unnamed theatre.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter star Walker will play bloodthirsty maniac Patrick Bateman, originally portrayed by Christian Bale in the 2000 film version.

Walker is a Broadway veteran, but he was slated to try out his role as Bateman in the off-Broadway Second Stage Theatre production initially scheduled for this year (15).

However, in November (14), commercial backers pulled out and opted not to move forward with the production, a move that suggested bosses were planning to push for a full Broadway run.

The musical, written by Duncan Sheik and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, won rave reviews during a sold-out run in London last year (14). The show featured former Doctor Who Matt Smith.