Luigi Mangioni's alleged murder crime put Nintendo game character in spotlight: 19 best Luigi memes explored

As absurd as it sounds, a rather mind-boggling blend of reality and pop culture has brought Nintendo’s green-hatted, mustachioed plumber Luigi into the not-so-glorious spotlight. A 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, Luigi Mangione, was charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

However, the focus of a murder suspect is not the only thing that people are inclined to discuss. Paired with the Nintendo game character Luigi, Mangione didn’t just share a name; he stirred up a storm of laughter on the internet.

A fake “Free Luigi” update that included a doctored picture of the Nintendo hero in a cage became the meme that set the internet ablaze and cast Luigi as a social media sensation no one saw coming. So let’s jump into the mess and chuckle at 20 of the best Luigi memes based on these bizarre incidents.

1) Nintendo speaks

While this picture sparked the meme fest, the company has since confirmed it is fake. Anyway, thanks for the service.

2) The three words

Who would have thought Luigi's upgrade from the Mushroom Kingdom would take a dark turn?

3) The last dance

This was supposed to be the sound we associated with harmless wins in Mario Kart. Now it's a soundtrack to a literal crime.

4) Luigi waking up to headlines

This poor guy thought he was just a plumber in overalls, but the internet had other plans.

5) Luigi's villain era

Gone are the friendly overalls and white gloves. He is no longer the guy chasing coins and dodging fireballs.

6) You can't say that

It's probably the worst possible thing to say when you are under suspicion. The Mushroom Kingdom has never been darker.

7) Super Mario Bros. movie

They never would have thought a cheerful poster would become a death threat. This rebrand was definitely not in Nintendo's plans.

8) A four-part tragedy

Nintendo's Luigi has never looked more gritty. Someone call Netflix.

9) The realization though

Somewhere a PR team must have started drafting we don't condone violent posts.

10) The underdog Luigi

The poor guy was supposed to fix pipes but somehow ended up facing high-profile murder charges.

11) Mamma Mia!

This is a far cry from jumping on Goombas. Someone get Mario on the phone.

12) Overlooked detail?

This snapshot deserves a bigger spotlight.

13) Mario, you?

Mario has always been there to save the day. Was he living a double life all along?

14) Luigi's logic

Well, based on the recent events, not-so-genius after all.

15) YOLO

The Mushroom Kingdom has turned upside down and Luigi is living on the edge.

16) Luigi's great escape

Our old Luigi used to run just from the ghosts.

17) Life insurance

It's high time to reflect on all those extra lives we've been taking for granted.

18) Luigi's manifesto

Now this isn't just another Mario spin-off.

19) We mean...

Mario and the gang need to be re-evaluated.

Though Mangione’s offense might be considered serious or pending a legal case, Nintendo’s Luigi has become a meme phenomenon quite by accident.