Social media users are already calling for Dave Franco to play suspected gunman Luigi Mangione when his chilling murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is no doubt adapted for the screen.
Mangione was arrested by police in Pennsylvania on Monday in connection with the execution-style murder of Thompson, 50, last week.
The 26-year-old “anti-capitalist” Ivy League student was arrested after being recognized as the alleged killer at a McDonald’s in Altoona, about 100 miles east of Pittsburgh.
Mangione’s capture comes after five days on the run.
As soon as Mangione was identified, social media users pointed out that he bears a striking resemblance to Franco, 39, thanks to his thick, striking eyebrows, eyes and smile.
It also didn’t take long for the Internet to jokingly suggest that prolific TV writer Ryan Murphy was already in the process of transforming Mangione’s story into a gripping series for the small screen.
Luigi Mangione was arrested by police in Pennsylvania in connection with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Social media users are already asking Dave Franco to play the alleged gunman Mangione
Addressing X, one said, “Dave Franco answers the phone.”
Another posted: “Dave Franco has a role waiting for him once this inevitably becomes a movie.”
A third wrote: “Ryan Murphy is drafting an email to Dave Franco as we speak.”
“Dave Franco’s agent has been on the phone all morning,” added a fourth.
Echoing a similar sentiment, another said: “Ryan Murphy is already writing that limited series for Netflix starring Dave Franco.”
“Netflix and HBO executives are preparing to hire Dave Franco to play Luigi Mangione in a four-part documentary,” wrote a sixth.
A seventh predicted: “Ryan Murphy is going to turn this into a limited series with Dave Franco, isn’t he?”
Actor and filmmaker Franco, younger brother of actor James Franco, 46, has starred in films such as 21 Jump Street (2012), Now You See Me (2013), The Disaster Artist (2017) and If Beale Street. I Could Talk (2018).
Many have noticed the similarity between Mangione and Franco
The 26-year-old “anti-capitalist” Ivy League graduate was detained after a McDonald’s employee in Altoona spotted him.
Mangione is believed to have killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last week.
The Internet Calls for Franco to Play the Captured Gunman When the Story Is Adapted
Most recently, he appeared alongside Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian in the 2024 romantic thriller Love Lies Bleeding.
Meanwhile, Murphy has produced several true crime series, including The People v. OJ Simpson (2016), The Assassination of Gianni Versace (2018) and Impeachment (2021).
In 2022, he co-created the divisive series Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, before making Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which premiered in September.
Mangione is believed to have shot Thompson, 50, in the early hours of December 4 as he headed to an investor conference at the New York Hilton.
He then fled for five days.
During his free time, police posted a photo of Mangione smiling and raided a Manhattan hostel where he is believed to have stayed.
Police have since said Mangione was not on their radar until today’s arrest in Pennsylvania.
They found him with a gun, a silencer and a manifesto that described his disdain for the health system.
The man was also wearing clothing matching the suspect’s description.
Mangione attended the coveted University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering in 2020. Prior to this, he graduated with valedictorian from the Gilman School in Baltimore, where tuition costs nearly $40,000 a year.