Actor and filmmaker Dave Franco has expressed openness to portraying Luigi Mangione, a man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2023, in a biographical film. Franco shared his thoughts on the potential role during an appearance on Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live, indicating interest if the project involves the appropriate collaborators.
Franco’s Reaction to Casting Discussions
During his interview on Watch What Happens Live, Franco responded to fan suggestions linking him to the role of Mangione, whose arrest last December sparked social media speculation about who might play him. Many pointed to Franco due to a perceived resemblance in facial features and eyebrows. When asked directly, Franco said,
“Oh, how do I answer this, Um… no one has approached me about it yet, I’ll say that.”
—Dave Franco, Actor and Filmmaker
He further reflected on the volume of personal messages he had received relating to the topic, stating,
“More people in my life reached out about this exact thing than anything else that has ever happened, So let’s just say I’m open if it’s the right people, and let’s leave it at that.”
—Dave Franco, Actor and Filmmaker
Details Surrounding Luigi Mangione’s Case
Luigi Mangione, 27, was arrested in December on multiple charges connected to the death of Brian Thompson. Prosecutors have charged him with 11 state offenses and four federal counts, including first-degree murder, with federal authorities seeking the death penalty. Mangione remains in custody as he awaits trial. While no feature-length film has been officially announced, several documentaries are in development, including one by award-winning documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney.
Franco’s Current Projects and Industry Context
Alongside discussing the biopic possibility, Franco is currently promoting his horror film Together, which is now playing in theaters. He recently earned an Emmy nomination for a guest role on Seth Rogen’s show The Studio. Franco is also attached to projects like the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel Regretting You and the sequel to Now You See Me. He appeared alongside his wife, Alison Brie, during the interview where these topics were addressed.
Significance of a Potential Mangione Biopic
The interest surrounding a film about Luigi Mangione highlights society’s fascination with true crime stories and the complexities of portraying controversial figures. Should the right creative team come together, a biopic starring someone like Dave Franco could draw attention to the case and generate further public discussion. Meanwhile, Mangione’s legal process continues, with the definitive judgment still pending in court.
