Slow to Commit, DiCaprio Loses His Chance at ‘Psycho”

Leo is no “Psycho.”

Leonardo DiCaprio made headlines in June when he expressed interest in playing a serial killer in the film version of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel “American Psycho.” Lions Gate Films announced that the actor was attached to the project, but DiCaprio’s manager and publicist said that Lions Gate had jumped the gun and that the 23-year-old star was still making up his mind.

Now, apparently, Lions Gate has made its own decision: DiCaprio is out.

The independent production company, which had offered DiCaprio $21 million, was in talks with him as recently as two weeks ago, when he joined Cameron Diaz and other actors in a read-through of the “American Psycho” script.

But sources said the actor, who is becoming known in Hollywood for being slow to commit to projects, could not give a definite date that he would be available to work on the film. Lions Gate decided to move forward without him, paring down the film’s $40-million budget to the $10-million to $15-million range and asking director Mary Harron, who had been ousted when DiCaprio got involved, to return to the project.

“As far as I know, they would like me to come back, which is great,” Harron said Monday. Harron, who co-wrote the screenplay that attracted DiCaprio and has spent two years developing the project, said she had yet to discuss any specifics with Lions Gate, including casting.

DiCaprio’s publicist, Cindy Guagenti, confirmed that the actor is due to shoot “The Beach” with director Danny Boyle (“Trainspotting,” “A Life Less Ordinary”) in January for 20th Century Fox.

DiCaprio, who became one of the world’s hottest movie stars after “Titanic,” has gained a reputation for being extremely choosy about his projects. In April, the Columbia/Miramax Films co-production of “All the Pretty Horses,” an adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel, signed Matt Damon for the lead role after DiCaprio could not commit in a timely way.