Keanu Reeves, Tom Cruise and Johnny Depp are too "scared" to take roles in American Psycho author Bret Easton Ellis's latest novel adaptation.

Ellis, whose notorious suave serial killer PATRICK BATEMAN was played with huge critical acclaim by Christian Bale in 2000, is baffled by stars' reluctance to appear in new offering LUNAR PARK - as the writer himself.

Ellis is even prepared to stay away from the movie set if fears of his irreverent behaviour or bisexuality are the reason behind the actors' reluctance to accept the role.

He says, "I actually mention Keanu Reeves in the book and really wanted him to play me. He said he'd loved the book, but refused.

"It was the same with Tom Cruise, and Johnny Depp also said no but only because he has already played a writer.

"I don't know what they're all scared of - I won't be turning up on set."