'The Bachelor' 2020 Update: Colton Underwood Reveals Who He Thinks ABC Will Choose

There has been a lot of speculation recently as to who will be the next lead of ABC's "The Bachelor." For Colton Underwood, this is familiar territory, seeing as he held the role for Season 23 of the long-running show.

In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Underwood shared his thoughts regarding who he believes the network will ultimately pick when it comes to casting the 2020 star of the franchise. He predicted that viewers could see one of "The Bachelorette" Season 15 lead Hannah Brown's contestants onscreen.

"I think I even saw the other day, Mike [Johnson] hasn't even had discussions with producers about being 'The Bachelor.' So I don't know," he told the publication during an event in New York City, adding, "At this point, I'm sure Peter's [Weber] probably already met with them."

Earlier this month, Johnson revealed to Us that he thinks ABC may go with Weber in the end due to the choices they have made in the past when casting leads, especially because he views him as the "safe" choice. However, a source close to the casting said that Mike is being "seriously considered."

Regarding the use of the word "safe" in terms of Mike's potential casting, Colton said he would agree, but added that his "definition of safe would be he has a lot of qualities that are needed in 'The Bachelor.'"

READ: ‘The Bachelor’ 2020 Update: Will It Be Mike, Peter Or Tyler? Reality Steve Sounds Off

However, the new season may just be placed in the hands of Derek Peth after his recent rise in popularity starring on the current season of ABC's "Bachelor in Paradise." In recent episodes, he faced a break up with fellow contestant Demi Burnett when her ex-girlfriend, Kristian Haggerty, arrived on the beach. This inspired part of Bachelor Nation to begin hoping Peth will ultimately snag the title role. The newfound support has even made its way to Colton, who confessed he hadn't watched the recent episodes of the spinoff.

"I didn't even get to catch the episode or the other one on Monday yet either. But obviously, I'm on social media. I think Derek would be a good one too," he shared.

At this point, it seems likely that ABC will officially announce who will claim the starring role on the upcoming season of "The Bachelor" after "Bachelor in Paradise" concludes later this year.

"The Bachelor" is set to return to ABC in January 2020.