Dave Franco Expresses Discomfort When Quizzed Regarding His Interest in Portraying Luigi Mangione
Dave Franco, the acclaimed actor and husband of Alison Brie, has expressed his interest in playing Luigi Mangione, the primary suspect in a high-profile murder case, if the right opportunity arises. This intriguing revelation was made during a discussion on Tuesday night's episode of Andy Cohen's "Watch What Happens Live."
Franco brought up the subject of his potential casting as Mangione, citing his resemblance to the suspect, which has been a topic of widespread speculation among fans and the media. The actor mentioned that he had discussed this likeness with The Hollywood Reporter back in January.
However, it's important to note that as of early August 2025, no formal approaches have been made to Franco about playing Mangione in a potential movie or TV show. The case in question is the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, which occurred in December 2024. Mangione is currently awaiting trial and is facing 11 state charges and four federal indictments, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.
Franco revealed that many people in his personal life have suggested the casting idea, but no Hollywood studios or producers have contacted him yet. Interestingly, Franco shared that he has received more messages about his resemblance to Mangione than about any other topic in his life. He even joked about the numerous texts he's received, laughing at the unexpected attention.
The case has inspired a number of adaptations, including documentaries and a San Francisco play called Luigi: The Musical, which is set to expand to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Despite the buzz surrounding Franco's potential casting, it remains to be seen whether this will translate into a formal offer or discussion in the future.
Dave Franco, amid the continuous public speculation and fan discussions, hinted at the potential intersection of his acting career with his personal resemblance to Luigi Mangione, expressing interest in balancing his entertainment career with maintaining his health, especially considering the gravity and impact of playing a controversial celebrity-like figure in a movie or TV show about the high-profile murder case of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
In the midst of the multitude of messages and suggestions from his personal life regarding the casting idea, Franco emphasized the importance of balancing his entertainment interests, such as movies and TV, with concerns about health and well-being, as well as the impact such controversial roles might have on his celebrity status.
