Honestly, it happens to the best of us. You’re scrolling through a trailer or watching a new show, and you see that specific jawline, the blonde-leaning hair, and those piercing eyes. You think, "Oh, that’s Jason DiLaurentis from Pretty Little Liars." Then the credits roll, and it turns out you were actually looking at Patrick Schwarzenegger.
The internet has been obsessing over the uncanny resemblance between Drew Van Acker and Patrick Schwarzenegger for years. It’s not just a passing comment on a forum anymore; it’s practically a pop-culture rite of passage. If you haven't mistaken one for the other at least once, are you even watching TV?
The Viral Moment That Sparked the Comparison
This isn't just fans being "extra." Even the actors know about it. Way back in 2019, Patrick Schwarzenegger shared a hilarious story on Twitter (now X) that cemented the comparison. He was approached by a group of girls who were beyond excited to meet him. Their cameras were out, the energy was high, and they shouted about how much they loved Pretty Little Liars.
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Patrick had to break the news: he wasn't in the show.
The fans realized they had mistaken the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger for Drew Van Acker, who played Jason DiLaurentis. Once the mistake was out in the open, they basically just said, "Oh, you look like Jason, sorry," and walked away. No autograph, no selfie. Just a "oops, wrong guy."
That level of awkwardness is legendary. But it speaks to just how similar these two look, especially when they both lean into that "golden boy" aesthetic with slightly longer hair or specific lighting.
Why Do Drew Van Acker and Patrick Schwarzenegger Look So Similar?
It’s about the bone structure. Both actors possess very defined, angular faces. They both have that "sculpted by a Renaissance artist" vibe going on.
- The Jawline: Both have extremely sharp, square jawlines that are hallmarks of their respective looks.
- The Eyes: They share a similar eye shape and intensity, often described as "hooded" or "piercing."
- The Hair: When Patrick grows his hair out or adds highlights—like he did during his time on The White Lotus—the resemblance to Drew’s PLL era is almost frightening.
Interestingly, as they’ve aged, their career paths have started to diverge into different niches, yet the "long-lost brothers" narrative persists.
Career Paths: Where You Know Them From
While they look alike, their resumes are pretty distinct. Drew Van Acker became a household name for fans of teen dramas. Besides his iconic run as the mysterious Jason DiLaurentis, he’s popped up in Training Day (the TV series) and played Garth/Aqualad in Titans. He’s got this brooding, slightly older brother energy that worked perfectly for the secrets of Rosewood.
On the flip side, Patrick Schwarzenegger has been carving out a very diverse path. He’s gone from indie romances like Midnight Sun to gritty roles in The Staircase and Gen V. Most recently, his casting in The White Lotus Season 3 sent the internet into another tailspin of comparisons.
Does it affect their careers?
Probably not in a bad way. In Hollywood, having a "type" is actually a huge advantage. If a casting director wants a specific look—that athletic, handsome, slightly mysterious American male—both of these guys are at the top of the list.
The White Lotus Factor
When news broke that Patrick was joining the cast of The White Lotus Season 3, Reddit exploded. If you look at the threads on r/PrettyLittleLiars or r/CelebrityLookalikes, people were genuinely confused.
One user mentioned they had to double-check the credits of The White Lotus teaser because they were convinced Drew Van Acker had made a comeback to prestige TV. It’s a testament to the fact that even as both actors hit their 30s, the facial symmetry remains so close that the human brain just groups them together.
Beyond the Looks: Are They Friends?
There isn't a ton of public evidence that they hang out every weekend, but they are definitely aware of each other. In the small world of Hollywood, "resemblance buddies" usually find it funny. Patrick’s willingness to tweet about being mistaken for Drew shows he’s a good sport about it.
It’s kinda funny to imagine them both showing up to the same audition. Can you imagine the poor casting assistant trying to keep their headshots straight?
What to Watch Next
If you want to play a game of "Spot the Difference," here are the definitive projects for each actor:
To see the "Classic" look for Drew Van Acker:
Watch Pretty Little Liars (specifically Seasons 2 through 7). This is where the peak Jason DiLaurentis hair and mystery live. If you want something more recent, check out the sci-fi thriller Last Survivors.
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To see the modern Patrick Schwarzenegger:
Check out Gen V on Amazon Prime. He plays Golden Boy (literally), and the blonde, heroic look is very reminiscent of Van Acker’s early work. Then, dive into The Staircase on Max to see him in a more grounded, dramatic role.
Practical Next Steps for Fans
If you're a fan of either actor and want to stay updated on their actual (not mistaken) projects, the best way is to follow their verified socials.
- Check their Instagram tags: Often, fans will tag both of them in the same photo. It’s the easiest way to see side-by-side comparisons of their most recent haircuts.
- IMDb is your best friend: Before you post that "Is that Jason from PLL?" comment on a trailer, a quick 5-second search on IMDb will save you from the "That's a Schwarzenegger" correction in the comments.
- Watch for Season 3 of The White Lotus: This is going to be the biggest test yet for the lookalike theory, especially with the tropical lighting and styling.
The "twin" phenomenon in Hollywood isn't new—think Bryce Dallas Howard and Jessica Chastain—but Drew Van Acker and Patrick Schwarzenegger are definitely the male version of that puzzle. Whether they ever actually play brothers on screen remains to be seen, but honestly? It would be a huge missed opportunity if they didn't.