Luigi Mangione compared to Superman after court appearance photos go viral amid murder trial

Luigi Mangione's viral court photos spark Superman comparisons, intertwining pop culture and real-life crime.

Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused in the high-profile murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, made headlines during his recent court appearance. Photos of Mangione in an orange jumpsuit, handcuffed and escorted by police, quickly went viral on social media, sparking comparisons to the iconic DC superhero Superman. The images, coinciding with the release of James Gunn's teaser for a new Superman movie, drew a wave of online commentary and memes, with fans likening Mangione to Henry Cavill’s portrayal in ‘Man of Steel’ and David Corenswet’s upcoming role as Superman.

In retrospect, maybe it wasn’t the best optics to parade Luigi Mangione to his extradition on the same day that the Superman trailer came out…

(At least from law enforcement’s POV.) pic.twitter.com/QDOGHPVA6l

— Stephen Cutie (@The_Epic_Tunes) December 19, 2024

They escorting Luigi like he Superman bruh 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/fmAd4gtSHD

— Blick💰 (@ayyeblick) December 19, 2024

they escorting Luigi like he Superman 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/V7QkGqZqMi

— juju 💰 (@ayeejuju) December 19, 2024

Social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), were inundated with posts referring to Mangione as a "real-life Superman." Users posted captions like “They escorting Luigi like he Superman bruh,” and “This feels like a DC multiverse moment.” While some commentators joked about the striking resemblance, others controversially framed Mangione as a vigilante figure, reflecting public frustration with the profit-driven American healthcare system—a sentiment underscored by Thompson's murder, which has left family and colleagues grieving.

Legal experts, however, have cautioned against glorifying the accused. They emphasized the need to focus on justice for the victim, Brian Thompson, whose death has reignited debates about corporate accountability and healthcare reform. Mangione faces charges of murder, stalking, and firearms offenses, with prosecutors aiming for a swift trial.

The public fascination with Mangione’s appearance underscores the strange intersections between real-life crime and cultural narratives. His composed demeanor in viral photographs has added an unusual dimension to the case, with concerns that such attention detracts from the gravity of the accusations. As the trial progresses, Mangione remains in custody, with the court and public attention now shifting to delivering justice for Thompson and his grieving family.