Actor Dave Franco has spoken out about the possibility of portraying Luigi Mangione in a biopic, a topic that has gained attention following one of 2024’s most high-profile incidents. On December 4, UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot in broad daylight, thrusting the case into the public eye. The main suspect, then 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, has since become a divisive figure on the internet and sparked discussion about the U.S. healthcare system.
Due to his physical similarity to Mangione, fans quickly began to suggest Dave Franco as a fitting choice to play the suspect in any future film. During a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Franco was questioned about whether he would accept such a role if approached. Although Franco confirmed he has not yet been contacted about portraying Mangione, he expressed openness to the idea under the right circumstances.
“Oh, how do I answer this… no one has approached me about it yet, I’ll say that. 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.”
This statement highlights Franco’s cautious but willing stance, reflecting the sensitive nature of the ongoing case.
Understanding the Significance Behind Franco’s Remarks
Franco’s guarded response is understandable, given that Luigi Mangione’s legal situation remains unresolved. Currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, Mangione faces numerous charges, including first-degree murder, yet has not been sentenced. This ongoing trial prevents any immediate development of a biopic since the story’s conclusion is still unknown.
Historically, Hollywood has shown a tendency to rapidly produce films inspired by recent criminal cases once verdicts are delivered. It is plausible that a Luigi Mangione biopic could be fast-tracked after the trial ends. Whether Franco will ultimately be cast remains uncertain, but industry insiders and fans alike are aware of his strong resemblance to Mangione and his association with the potential role.
The Broader Context of the Mangione Case and Media Adaptations
Since Mangione’s arrest, multiple documentaries have emerged exploring his story, demonstrating the case’s widespread public interest. In addition, a satirical musical titled Luigi: The Musical was staged in San Francisco, with actor Jonny Stein portraying the central character. This cultural response underscores the case’s complexity and its resonance beyond legal proceedings.
With Mangione charged on four federal counts and eleven state charges, all including serious allegations such as first-degree murder, the situation remains a delicate topic. Media portrayals, including a recent episode inspired by the case on Law & Order season 24, show how the entertainment industry is already engaging with the material while awaiting the trial’s outcome.
What May Lie Ahead for a Luigi Mangione Biopic
While Franco does not dismiss the notion of playing Mangione, his comments reveal how the sensitivity of the story could heavily influence any depiction. The split public opinion on Mangione’s actions means that careful consideration will be required by filmmakers and actors involved in such a project.
If Franco eventually accepts the role, it would mark an intriguing chapter in his career, as portraying a figure entangled with such controversy presents unique challenges. For now, audiences must wait to see if a Luigi Mangione biopic moves beyond speculation and whether Franco or other Hollywood figures become officially attached once the legal process concludes.
