Dave Franco is feeling the buzz. He’s been getting a lot of messages about a possible role as Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. This came up while he was promoting his new horror movie, Together, with his wife, Alison Brie.
Franco laughs as he shares, “I’ve never received more texts in my life. It’s not just friends; anyone who has my number has reached out.” Brie adds that almost everyone she knows has also contacted Franco about the resemblance between him and Mangione. However, she mentions that there haven’t been any official offers for him to play the role.
Franco confirmed, “No official offers.” The chatter started after Mangione’s arrest in December, leading to lots of comparisons online. Interestingly, this spike in interest made Franco one of the most Googled actors that week. He ranked just behind his 2020 directorial debut with The Rental and his role in Netflix’s Day Shift alongside Jamie Foxx.
But let’s be real—Franco might not be the best fit for the role, despite some physical similarities. He’s 39, while Mangione is just 26. It might feel a little odd to see someone nearing 40 play a character who just graduated from college during the pandemic.
In a recent interview, Franco and Brie talked about working together on Together. Franco expressed his excitement: “She’s my favorite actress. Getting to work with her? What more can I ask for?” Brie chimed in, emphasizing how comfortable they both feel on set. “He knows me better than anyone, so there’s an authenticity when we work together,” she shared.
Franco was especially impressed by Brie’s dedication in the film. He noted her commitment to fitness over the years, jokingly admitting he avoids the gym to not be outshone by her. “She really threw herself into this physically,” he praised, mentioning how she often insisted on doing her own stunts instead of using a double.
With both of them so passionate about their work, it’s clear that Together is not just a movie for them; it’s a special project that showcases their unique bond.