Dave Franco Explains Why Luigi Mangione News Made His Phone Blow Up

It's probably only a matter of time before a movie is made about Luigi Mangione, accuser killer of UnitedHeathcare CEO Brian Thompson. And while he hasn't been formally approached by any directors, Dave Franco is apparently a shoe-in for the role.

While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter from the Sundance Film Festival over the weekend, where he was promoting his directorial debut Together alongside his wife Alison Brie, who also stars in the film, Franco opened up about those comparisons. In other words, yes, he's aware that he bears a distinct resemblance to the accused murdered.

"I have never received more texts in my life about anything," the 39-year-old admitted, laughing. Though, Brie noted that there hasn't been anything official. "It's just friends, anyone who has my phone number has reached out about it," Franco added.

"I've never received more texts in my life about anything," – #Together star Dave Franco on the flood of messages he's received from people wanting him to play Luigi Mangione pic.twitter.com/s9A9pcPRJN

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 25, 2025

The story of Mangione gripped the nation when it unfolded back in December. After allegedly killing Thompson in broad daylight outside of the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in the middle of Manhattan, the 26-year-old University of Pennsylvania graduate managed to evade authorities over the course of a five-day manhunt, until he was eventually apprehended nearly 300 miles away at a McDonald's in Altoona, PA.

Already, a handful of documentary projects are currently in the works about Mangione, including one from Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney. However, a scripted film or television series has yet to be announced. (It seems like only a matter of time before Ryan Murphy gets his hands on the story.)

At any rate, when a project does eventually come to fruition, casting directors know where to find their lead.