Controversial Actors to Portray Chilling Golden State Killer in New Film

In May 2025, it was reported that a new movie about the notorious Golden State Killer was in the works, with James Franco and Vincent Gallo set to star. The film, titled "Golden State Killer" (formerly "The Policeman"), will dramatize the crimes of Joseph James DeAngelo, a former police officer who terrorized California for decades under various aliases, including the Original Night Stalker and the East Area Rapist.

The casting of Franco and Gallo, two controversial actors, has raised eyebrows, as they take on the roles of a serial killer and a detective investigating the case, respectively. However, the biggest mystery surrounding the project is the identity of the director. Initially, the film was set to be the directorial debut of Jordan Gertner, but in May 2025, it was reported that Vito Brown had taken over those duties.

The name Vito Brown has raised suspicions, as it appears to be a pseudonym used by Gallo in the past. The actor has played characters with similar names in other films, leading some to believe he may be directing the Golden State Killer movie under a different moniker. Alternatively, it's possible that Gertner remains involved in the project but has chosen to remove his name from the director's credit.

Regardless of the behind-the-scenes drama, the film is expected to hit theaters in 2026, providing a chilling dramatization of one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. As the release date approaches, fans of true crime and cinema alike will be eagerly awaiting to see how this controversial story unfolds on the big screen.