Dave Franco to play Luigi Mangione in his biopic? Actor reacts to memes and possible theories

The internet is abuzz with the latest dream fan casting, and this time, it involves none other than the talented and almost universally loved Dave Franco. Over the past several days, there has been a growing contingent of netizens vocalizing their support behind the star portraying Luigi Mangione in a potential biopic.

Mangione has risen to infamy after being accused of the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024. While he is currently awaiting trial, the context of his crime and his good looks have combined to garner him an outpour of public sympathy.

Many go as far as to consider this a potential breaking point for insurance companies in America, as costs and premiums continue to rise while the average citizen struggles to afford basic health care.

Off the heels of this trending story, Franco, for his part, has been linked to playing the possible role because they share an uncanny resemblance to one another. Doppelganger alert!

(Post via X/@THR)

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Dave Franco Responds

While at this year’s Sundance Film Festival alongside his wife Alison Brie and director Michael Shanks to promote their film Together (a festival darling), the dream casting was addressed by a representative from The Hollywood Reporter.

Someone from the publication is distinctly heard asking from off-camera,

“Has anyone approached you to play Luigi? To play hot Luigi?”

Brie, no stranger to comedic timing, was quick to reply,

“Anyone? Do you mean everyone?”

The 39-year-old actor then went on to share,

“I have never received more texts in my life about anything. Not just friends. Anyone who has my phone number has reached out about it.”

Clearly, anyone with access to the star is eager to see him in the role and is blowing up his phone to share the feeling as the memes and social content continue to fill our feeds. Whether or not this comes to fruition is another story entirely. What is of note, however, is that Franco was not dismissive, nor did he shut down the speculation, so there is a chance this project will eventually come to life.

As of now, Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the New York State charges for which he is awaiting trial. While federal charges also loom, his legal team has not yet been requested to enter a plea on these charges as of the latest update from the court and his attorneys.

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Dave Franco's career explored

Franco's diverse filmography includes roles in Oscar-nominated and critically acclaimed hit The Disaster Artist, as well as memorable supporting roles in the Neighbors comedy franchise alongside Seth Rogen and Zac Efron. He also made his presence felt in Apple TV's The Afterparty series, although his work as Eric Molson on the Jump Street films may still stand out as his best work.

In 2020, Franco made his directorial debut in the horror thriller The Rental. He wrote the screenplay for the film alongside collaborator Joe Swanberg, which stars an ensemble cast of familiar faces, including Alison Brie, Dan Stevens, Jeremy Allen White, and Sheila Vand. It was released to generally favorable reviews on July 24, 2020.