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Dave Franco Says He’s ‘Open’ to Playing Luigi Mangione as Patterson Prepares Book on Case

Franco says he would consider the role despite having received no formal offer as the Mangione case continues inspiring new media projects including a James Patterson book

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 23: Dave Franco attends the Los Angeles premiere of Neon's "Together" at Vista Theatre on July 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 21: Luigi Mangione appears at a hearing for the murder of UHC CEO Brian Thompson at Manhattan Criminal Court on February 21, 2025 in New York City. Mangione is accused of slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson late last year and is making his first appearance on state charges of murder as an act of terrorism. He is facing 11 counts for the Dec. 4 shooting of Thompson outside a midtown Manhattan hotel which set off a massive manhunt. He is also facing federal charges of murder and other charges in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested. (Photo by Curtis Means - Pool/Getty Images)
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Luigi Mangione and James Franco.

Overview

  • Dave Franco told Watch What Happens Live that he is open to portraying accused CEO killer Luigi Mangione even though no filmmakers have approached him
  • Social-media fan-casting propelled speculation around Franco’s resemblance to Mangione, making him the leading candidate in online biopic discussions
  • Luigi Mangione remains held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center after pleading not guilty to state and federal charges, including a death-penalty-eligible murder count
  • The case has already generated multiple documentaries, a sold-out satirical musical and now a forthcoming James Patterson and Vicky Ward book
  • Federal prosecutors, under Attorney General Pam Bondi’s directive, have designated Mangione’s manifesto and 3D-printed ghost gun use as grounds for terrorism charges and pursuit of the death penalty