Arnold Schwarzenegger is adding novelist to his long list of careers, teaming up with bestselling author James Patterson for his first work of fiction.
The 79-year-old Hollywood star is set to release The Protector, a thriller written with Patterson and scheduled to hit shelves on October 4, 2027, through Little, Brown and Company.
The story follows Father Viktor Brennan, a Catholic priest with a military background who is determined to protect his Los Angeles parish from criminals. As he fights to keep his community safe, Brennan’s actions put his own life at risk while uncovering secrets from his past.
Schwarzenegger said the story has been in his mind for decades and that Patterson was the person he wanted to help bring it to life.
The actor’s own Catholic upbringing also influenced the character. Schwarzenegger attended Catholic school and said the idea of having a “servant’s heart” became an important part of the story.
Patterson, known for his bestselling thrillers and collaborations with major celebrities, said Schwarzenegger already had many of the qualities needed to become a successful novelist.
The partnership marks another expansion of Schwarzenegger’s career beyond acting. He has previously published his autobiography Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story and the motivational book Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life.
While The Protector will be his fiction debut, Schwarzenegger is also preparing to return to the big screen in King Conan, a continuation of his iconic Conan the Barbarian role. Filming is expected to begin in 2027.
From bodybuilding champion to Hollywood action star, politician, author and now novelist, Schwarzenegger’s career continues to take unexpected turns.
Main Image: People
