Patrick Schwarzenegger’s performance in The White Lotus has me convinced he is the perfect choice for American Psycho remake

After watching Patrick Schwarzenegger in the most recent season of The White Lotus, I genuinely think he’s the perfect actor to play Patrick Bateman in the modern-day American Psycho remake.

The actor has time and again expressed his interest in playing the murderous investment banker ever since the remake was announced in October 2024, and I think it’s high time director Luca Guadagnino starts considering him for the role.

In The White Lotus Season 3, Patrick played Saxon Ratliff, a walking red flag in expensive shoes who becomes a fan favorite by the end with his complete 180 transformation. The American Psycho remake does need an actor who can portray extreme and unsettling emotions with ease, and Patrick has already proven himself capable of it.

Patrick Schwarzenegger’s performance in The White Lotus makes him the perfect choice to play Patrick Bateman in American Psycho

Christian Bale set an insanely high bar in the 2000 cult classic, which was one of the reasons behind the slasher film’s success. Patrick Schwarzenegger brings something eerily similar to the table.

In The White Lotus Season 3, the actor displayed the right mix of charm and creepiness that Patrick Bateman’s character needs. In the show, Saxon is a guy who seems like he has it all together: he is good-looking, confident, and well-dressed.

But something about him feels off. He holds eye contact a little too long. He smiles when it doesn’t feel right and makes inappropriate comments about his siblings with a straight face. You can tell he is hiding something darker under the surface.

That is exactly what made Christian Bale’s version of Patrick Bateman so scary. He looked like a regular guy on the outside but was hiding sinister motives inside. What’s really impressive about Patrick’s acting is how subtle it is. He does not try too hard and lets his expressions and movements do the talking.

You can feel the tension just by watching him sit quietly or look at someone. That kind of control is perfect for a character like Bateman, who pretends to be normal while secretly falling apart. Patrick also looks the part. He has that clean-cut, polished look that fits the image of a young, successful businessman.

The actor had already made a name for himself in the entertainment industry with shows like Gen V and The Staircase. However, it was The White Lotus that catapulted him to global fame and stardom. His star power could further help in making the remake a success.

At the same time, American Psycho is not just a horror film; it is a satire about the hollowness of status, the absurdity of consumer culture, and the dark humor of trying to maintain a perfect exterior while crumbling inside.

Patrick’s acting style fits that theme. He knows how to be funny and scary at the same time, which is important for scenes like the one where Bateman brags about business cards or dances to music while doing terrible things.

Meanwhile, the actor has already stated that playing Patrick Bateman is his dream job. Before watching The White Lotus, I never would’ve thought of him for the role. But now, I honestly can’t think of anyone else more suitable.

Hence, I think the creators of the American Psycho remake should seriously consider Patrick Schwarzenegger to play the lead in the film. He has the looks, the talent, and the emotional depth to bring Patrick Bateman back to life, and I’d be excited to see it.

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You can check out Patrick Schwarzenegger’s stellar performance in The White Lotus Season 3, which is streaming on Max.

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