Tom Cruise has long been recognized as one of Hollywood's most talented actors, known for his intense performances and dedication to his craft. However, it may come as a surprise that he also played a significant role in inspiring the creation of the iconic novel and later film adaptation, "American Psycho".

The author of "American Psycho", Bret Easton Ellis, recently revealed in an interview that Cruise's public persona and the contrast between his public image and his rumored personal life served as a major inspiration for the character of Patrick Bateman, the novel's protagonist. Ellis explained that he used Cruise as a touchstone to explore the themes of materialism and superficiality that the story delves into.

The character of Patrick Bateman, portrayed by Christian Bale in the film adaptation, is a wealthy investment banker who leads a double life as a sadistic serial killer. Bateman's obsession with material possessions, his shallow relationships, and his inability to distinguish between reality and fantasy are all characteristics that Ellis drew from Cruise's public image.

Ellis noted that Cruise's image as a clean-cut movie star, paired with rumors of his involvement with the Church of Scientology and his allegedly controlling relationships, provided the perfect backdrop for exploring the themes of identity, consumerism, and the hollowness of the American Dream that are central to "American Psycho".

In an unexpected twist of art imitating life, it seems that Tom Cruise inadvertently became the inspiration for one of the most iconic characters in contemporary American literature and cinema.