The White Lotus actor Patrick Schwarzenegger is throwing his full weight behind a dream role: Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming adaptation of American Psycho.
But while he's making his campaign known across social media, some of his resurfaced tweets are coming back to haunt him.
News broke Tuesday that Patrick is “actively campaigning” to star in the film, after online users noticed a flurry of strategic posts from the actor.
Guadagnino, known for Call Me by Your Name and Bones and All, previously clarified that his American Psycho is not a remake of the 2000 Christian Bale-led film but an original interpretation of Bret Easton Ellis’s 1991 satirical horror novel.
The story, infamous for its graphic violence and controversial sexual content, follows narcissistic 1980s investment banker Patrick Bateman, who leads a double life as a serial killer. The film has a strong cult following, and any modern-day casting is sure to stir strong opinions.
As early as October, Schwarzenegger had made his ambitions known.
When the project was first announced, he shared a link to the news with the caption: “My dream.” Then last week, when a fan tweeted: “patrick schwarzenegger, i've found your breakout role,” he replied enthusiastically: “I’d love nothing more ;).”
On Monday, the popular celebrity news account Pop Crave posted: “‘The White Lotus’ star Patrick Schwarzenegger is campaigning for lead role in ‘American Psycho’ remake,” amplifying the conversation.
That tweet prompted some users to unearth an old post from Patrick that many saw as hypocritical.
In December 2024, shortly after reports emerged that Austin Butler was Guadagnino’s top choice for the Bateman role, Patrick tweeted: “I love Austin Butler but he’s already a star. I feel like Luca movies are perfect gateway for a new ish actor to have a breakout performance.”
The irony wasn’t lost on critics, especially considering that Schwarzenegger, 31, is the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, Hollywood royalty by any standard.
He been acting steadily since 2016. Though his breakout moment came with The White Lotus, many pointed out he hardly qualifies as a “new ish” actor.
One X user shared a now-deleted post from May 2024, in which Patrick commented on Butler being considered for several major roles.
Reacting to news that Disney was eyeing Butler for a new Pirates of the Caribbean film and the live-action Hercules, Patrick tweeted: “Cmon man share a little bit.”
So far, Patrick hasn’t publicly addressed the backlash or the resurgent posts.
Meanwhile, no official casting has been announced, and Variety previously noted that while Butler was Guadagnino’s top choice, the offer hadn’t been finalized.
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