**Dave Franco Reacts to Luigi Mangione Comparisons**
Dave Franco, the talented actor known for his roles in films like *Now You See Me*, *The Disaster Artist*, and *21 Jump Street*, recently addressed comparisons to Luigi Mangione, a fictional character from the *Super Mario Bros.* franchise. The comparisons have sparked discussions on social media, with fans pointing out striking similarities between Franco and the animated character.
In a recent interview, Franco shared his thoughts on the unexpected comparison, saying, “I think it’s hilarious. I never thought I’d be compared to a character like Luigi, but I’ll take it as a compliment. Luigi has always been the underdog, and I can relate to that in some ways.”
### Who is Dave Franco?
– **Full Name**: David John Franco
– **Born**: June 12, 1985, in Palo Alto, California
– **Career Highlights**:
– Franco began his acting career with small roles in television series like *Scrubs* before transitioning to films.
– He gained widespread recognition for his comedic timing and charm in movies such as *Neighbors* and *21 Jump Street*.
– His portrayal of Greg Sestero in *The Disaster Artist*, directed by his brother James Franco, earned him critical acclaim.
– **Personal Life**: Dave Franco is married to actress Alison Brie. The couple has collaborated on several projects, including the 2020 horror film *The Rental*, which Franco directed.
### Who is Luigi Mangione?
– **Fictional Background**: Luigi Mangione, better known simply as Luigi, is a beloved character from Nintendo’s *Super Mario Bros.* franchise.
– **First Appearance**: Luigi debuted in the 1983 arcade game *Mario Bros.* as Mario’s younger brother and sidekick.
– **Personality Traits**: Often portrayed as timid and overshadowed by his brother Mario, Luigi has a loyal and brave heart, stepping up when needed.
– **Cultural Impact**: Over the years, Luigi has become a fan favorite, starring in his own games like *Luigi’s Mansion*.
### Why the Comparison?
Fans have noted that Dave Franco’s facial features, particularly his expressive eyes and slight smile, bear a resemblance to Luigi’s animated design. Additionally, Franco’s ability to portray underdog characters with depth and humor aligns with Luigi’s personality.
### A Brief History of Luigi
– **1983**: Luigi makes his debut in *Mario Bros.*
– **1993**: Luigi is portrayed by John Leguizamo in the live-action *Super Mario Bros.* movie.
– **2001**: *Luigi’s Mansion* is released for the Nintendo GameCube, giving Luigi his first starring role.
– **2013**: Nintendo celebrates the “Year of Luigi” to honor the character’s 30th anniversary.
– **2023**: Luigi is voiced by Charlie Day in the animated *The Super Mario Bros. Movie*, further cementing his popularity.
### Fun Facts About Luigi
– Luigi is taller and slimmer than Mario, making him easily distinguishable.
– His signature green outfit and cap are a nod to his secondary player status in early games.
– Luigi’s Mansion introduced the Poltergust, a vacuum cleaner used to capture ghosts, which became an iconic part of his character.
### Bullet Points: Why Fans Love Luigi
– **Relatable Underdog**: Luigi’s struggles to step out of Mario’s shadow resonate with many fans.
– **Quirky Personality**: His mix of bravery and nervousness makes him endearing.
– **Unique Gameplay**: Luigi often has distinct abilities, like higher jumps, in games where he’s playable.
– **Solo Adventures**: Games like *Luigi’s Mansion* showcase his growth as a character.
### Franco’s Reaction to the Buzz
While Dave Franco may not have expected to be compared to a video game character, he seems to be embracing the lighthearted fun. “If Luigi ever needs a live-action portrayal again, I’m ready,” he joked.
Whether or not Franco ever dons Luigi’s green cap, the comparison has certainly brought a smile to fans of both the actor and the iconic Nintendo character.