Have we found our new Patrick Bateman?
After confirming his interest in the role, Schwarzenegger is now reportedly a leading contender for the upcoming American Psycho remake, directed by Luca Guadagnino.
A Role With Intense Expectations
Playing Patrick Bateman is no small task. The character, originally brought to life by Christian Bale in 2000, is one of the most controversial and iconic antiheroes in modern cinema. The new version of American Psycho will be directed by Luca Guadagnino, who is known for his deep, stylish films like Bones and All and Call Me by Your Name.
In April, Schwarzenegger responded to fan speculation on social media with the words “I’d love nothing more,” confirming his interest in the role. Since then, multiple insider reports have claimed he is “very much on the radar” of producers.
From Nepo Baby To Leading Man
Schwarzenegger, the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, has spent the past few years carving out a space for himself in Hollywood. While his early career was defined by smaller roles, his performance in the recent season of The White Lotus has been seen as his big break.
Other Contenders For The Role
Austin Butler and Jacob Elordi were also rumored to be in consideration, though recent coverage has focused more heavily on Schwarzenegger.
Guadagnino has not confirmed any casting decisions. At CinemaCon earlier this year, he said the script is still in progress and that he is in talks with “some very exciting actors.”
What A Remake Could Look Like
Outside of casting debates, many online are questioning why American Psycho needs a remake at all. The original still holds up, and some fear a new version could miss the satire and turn Bateman into pure aesthetics. Online reactions to the remake have been mostly negative.
Certainly looks the part. Even in this remake/reboot era, not sure why this movie needs one though.
— The Movie Binge (@TheMovieBinge87) June 11, 2025
A new American Psycho will not work by simply copying the original. Luca Guadagnino is known for reinventing rather than repeating. If Patrick Schwarzenegger does land the part, he will likely be playing a version of Patrick Bateman shaped by a different cultural moment and a different directorial point of view. Guadagnino’s vision for the film is expected to explore different elements of Bateman’s character, possibly with a more modern or psychological focus.
Filming is not expected to start before 2026 or 2027, so the casting conversation might go on for a while.
Do you think Patrick Schwarzenegger is fit for the role? Let us know in the comments!