The internet can’t help itself sometimes. Recently, there’s been a massive rise in the fascination and debate over the unexpected comparisons between Luigi Mangione and Superman. It’s a surreal cultural moment that blends real-life tragedy, cinematic visuals, and the ever-curious public eye.
Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old now infamous for allegedly assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, shot to viral fame after his dramatic perp walk in NYC hit social media. Decked out in an orange jumpsuit and flanked by a fully armed convoy—complete with Mayor Eric Adams tagging along—Mangione’s striking look and the over-the-top optics had everyone buzzing. Throw in the coincidental drop of a new Superman trailer, and the internet exploded with memes, hot takes, and some eyebrow-raising parallels.
Luigi Mangione’s Superman Meme Goes Viral on Social Media
What makes this situation so fascinating is the unique contrast and symbolism at play. Imagine Superman—a pop culture icon who stands for justice and morality—being compared to a man accused of a terrible crime. People couldn’t help but point out how much Luigi Mangione looks like Clark Kent, right down to the curly hair and calm, composed vibe.
WARNING – SPOILERS IN VIDEO
EXCLUSIVE: A new set video from James Gunn’s #Superman movie reveals a spoiler-y scene outside of Metropolis City Hall! Full details: https://t.co/sZCLlxH7Hh pic.twitter.com/HKTFzQmfBf
— DCU – The Direct (@DCU_Direct) June 26, 2024
Adding fuel to the fire, behind-the-scenes clips from James Gunn’s upcoming Superman movie show a scene where Superman is led away in handcuffs by armed guards. The imagery is eerily similar to Mangione’s real-life arrest, and this uncanny overlap between fiction and reality sparked a flood of memes and comments. Some even suggested Mangione’s whole situation felt straight out of a movie.
Mangione’s perp walk was a total spectacle, plain and simple. People couldn’t help but drop their two cents about how over-the-top the entire thing felt, with some slamming the police and authorities for laying it on so thick. They argued that the excessive show of force unintentionally turned Mangione into some kind of hero—or worse, a martyr—at least to a certain crowd.
Social media lit up with critiques, zeroing in on the striking contrast between the NYPD’s dark, almost intimidating uniforms and Mangione’s glaring orange jumpsuit. The visuals were impossible to ignore. Some even described the scene as “painterly,” with Mangione’s image practically radiating this unintended charisma. The sheer number of cops in the frame sent a loud, unspoken message: fear. And ironically, that fear seemed to elevate Mangione in the eyes of those watching.
The Superman comparisons weren’t just about Luigi Mangione looking the part or the cinematic drama of it all. They tapped into something much bigger—a swirling mix of sociopolitical frustration and cultural storytelling.
Not All Heroes Wear Capes #LuigiMangione
The World is A Stage. 🎥 #SupermanMovie https://t.co/CAyGp7pAsH pic.twitter.com/CEsIfx46lH
— Lynda (@lyndawolowicz) December 20, 2024
Mangione’s alleged crime—going after a top exec in the healthcare world—hit a nerve with people fed up with corporate greed and systemic injustice. To some, he came off as a kind of folk hero, though his story is way messier and morally tangled. It’s a far cry from Superman, the squeaky-clean champion of truth and justice who sticks to a strict code of nonviolence.
While Superman fights the good fight within clear ethical lines, Mangione’s alleged actions smashed right through them. Still, the comparison highlights something powerful: a deep craving for figures who push back against entrenched power, even if they do it in ways that are flawed, extreme, or downright controversial.
The timing of Luigi Mangione’s perp walk dropping alongside the Superman trailer had the internet absolutely buzzing. Social media exploded with memes and commentary—some hilariously clever, others cuttingly critical of the whole circus. People couldn’t help but draw wild comparisons, even likening Mangione to Jesus Christ in those dramatic depictions of his arrest in classical art. It was a surreal mash-up of history, theology, and pop culture, turning Mangione into more than just a meme—he became this bizarre, archetypal symbol that felt way bigger than the moment itself.
Here you go: the #Superman trailer. Krypto, take us home.
Watch the teaser trailer now and ❤ this post to get updates from @superman before it hits theaters this July. pic.twitter.com/w77kiKef54
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 19, 2024
So, to wrap it up, the whole Luigi Mangione-Superman meme craze is what happens when cultural storytelling, media hype, and public sentiment crash together in a major, chaotic way. It shows how people today love to merge real-world drama with fictional heroes to make a point, call out power systems, or just process some heavy emotions. Sure, it’s hilarious and captivating, but let’s not lose sight of the serious accusations against Mangione and the impact of his alleged actions. Superman might be the ultimate symbol of justice, but Mangione’s story reminds us that real-life “heroes” are often messy, complicated, and far from perfect.
