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Dave Franco isn’t ruling anything out — including portraying one of the most infamous names in recent criminal history. The Neighbors actor addressed rumors that he may play accused killer Luigi Mangione in a future biopic, and let’s just say … he’s aware of the buzz.
During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, a fan called in to ask the actor point-blank whether he’d take on the role if offered.
“Oh, how do I answer this… no one has approached me about it yet, I’ll say that,” Dave responded. “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.”
Though nothing is officially in development just yet, the internet — and apparently Dave’s inner circle — seems convinced he’d be a perfect fit to play Mangione, who is currently behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. Mangione, 27, is awaiting trial and faces eleven state charges and four federal charges, including first-degree murder. Prosecutors are reportedly pursuing the death penalty.
While a scripted feature film is not yet in motion due to the ongoing legal proceedings, the story has already inspired a flurry of true crime content. Several documentaries are in the works — including one by award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney — and a satirical stage production titled Luigi: The Musical ran in San Francisco earlier this year, with Jonny Stein in the lead role.
Given the media attention surrounding Mangione’s case and Hollywood’s quick-to-react tendencies when it comes to high-profile crimes, it wouldn’t be surprising if a biopic does get fast-tracked once a verdict is reached. If so, the pressure would be on to cast the lead — and fans have clearly placed Dave Franco at the top of that wishlist.
For now, Franco is keeping busy with plenty of other projects. He recently scored an Emmy nomination for his guest spot on Seth Rogen’s comedy series The Studio, and he’ll next appear in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Regretting You and the long-awaited Now You See Me sequel. His horror romantic drama Together is currently playing in theaters.