After Hollywood had seemingly had James Franco cast out due to disturbing allegations against him, many fans wondered what happened to the prolific actor. Franco, once a prominent figure in Hollywood, has graced the screen with a variety of dynamic performances, from the Spider-Man trilogy to the critically acclaimed 127 Hours, for which he earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. His career was marked by a blend of commercial and indie films, showcasing his versatility across genres. His collaborations with Seth Rogen, such as in Pineapple Express and Disaster Artist, further cemented his place in the industry.

Franco's talent was undeniable, and his knack for choosing diverse and challenging roles made him a significant player in the film industry. However, in recent years, Franco's presence in Hollywood has noticeably diminished. After a flurry of successful films, Franco's career seems to have hit a standstill, with fewer roles and a lack of notable projects that once defined his trajectory. He has been removed from the limelight due to a variety of controversies and allegations that have left him without a clear path to return to the screen in a noteworthy capacity.

James Franco Took A Five Year Hiatus From Movies

Arctic Dogs Marked Franco's Final Movie Role Before His Break

Before 2019, James Franco was a staple in Hollywood, with a career spanning over two decades. After starring in the Spider-Man franchise as Harry Osborn, the 2010s saw Franco involved in a variety of projects, from the blockbuster action movie Rise of the Planet of the Apes to the boundary-pushing high-grossing A24 indie movie Spring Breakers. He showed no signs of slowing down and became known for easily being able to switch between big-budget blockbusters and character-study indie flicks.

However, 2024 marked a return to acting for Franco with several projects released and others on the way.

However, James Franco's last appearance for five years was a voice-only role in the animated feature Arctic Dogs, where he lent his voice to one of the canine characters. Despite his consistent work, Franco's visibility in leading roles has dwindled. His involvement in the Arctic Dogs cast seemed to mark the beginning of a quieter phase in his career, with the actor stepping away from the forefront of Hollywood productions. Ultimately, 2024 marked a return to acting for Franco with several projects released and others on the way.

James Franco Controversy & Accusations Explained

Franco's Controversies Came To Light At The Height Of The #MeToo Movement

Franco's career has been overshadowed by controversy, and allegations of inappropriate behavior and the subsequent legal battles have significantly impacted his reputation. The accusations led to lawsuits and a great deal of scrutiny from both the public and the industry. In 2014, a 17-year-old girl posted screenshots of text messages between her and then 35-year-old James Franco where he tried to persuade her to meet in a hotel room even after finding out her age.

In 2018, Franco drew backlash for wearing a Time's Up pin in solidarity with the #MeToo movement to protest sexual harassment as women were coming forward with allegations of sexual assault against the actor. A few days after the 2018 Golden Globes, more women accused Franco of inappropriate or sexually exploitative behavior when he was teaching or mentoring them at his own acting school, Studio 4 (via LA Times).

One student commented that Franco hosted a sex scenes class and removed female students' vaginal guards while simulating oral sex. Other students claim they had recorded auditions that included nudity and sex scenes that were kept by Franco. Another student also commented:

"He would always make everybody think there were possible roles on the table if we were to perform sexual acts or take off our shirts"

Franco dealt with a number of lawsuits from his students, including a class-action lawsuit that included 1500 students seeking damages (via NY Times). The legal and personal challenges that arose from these accusations have played a role in Franco's decreased visibility. While the lawsuits have been settled and Franco has paid millions of dollars in damages, the gravity of the allegations and the conversations around ability in Hollywood has contributed to a shift in how Franco is perceived. This shift is indicative of the broader changes in the industry's approach to allegations of misconduct, reflecting a new era.

James Franco's Falling Out With Seth Rogen Explained

Franco And Rogen First Worked Together On Freaks & Geeks

James Franco and Seth Rogen's partnership was once a hallmark of a particular comedic era in Hollywood. However, the camaraderie that fueled their on-screen collaborations in movies like Pineapple Express and This Is the End has since faded. Rogen, who had worked with Franco on numerous projects, publicly stated that he did not plan to work with James Franco following the allegations made against him. Here's what Rogen said in full:

I also look back to that interview in 2018 where I comment that I would keep working with James, and the truth is that I have not and I do not plan to right now… I don’t know if I can define [our friendship] right now during this interview. I can say it, um, you know, it has changed many things in our relationship and our dynamic.

This falling out is emblematic of the consequences Franco faces in the industry - not only professionally, but also in of personal relationships. Rogen's distancing from Franco marked a significant moment, as it represented a tangible industry response to the controversies surrounding Franco. This separation has influenced Franco's career trajectory too, as his frequent collaborations with Rogen were integral to his filmography. The dissolution of this creative partnership has contributed to the challenges Franco faces in finding new roles within an industry increasingly focused on ethical behavior and ability, especially considering how many movies they made together previously.

Does James Franco Have Any Projects?

Franco's Released Three Projects In 2024

After a long absence from the screen, 2024 saw a return to movies for James Franco, albeit in some smaller films. Franco had three projects released in 2024, with the French action thriller The Price of Money: A Largo Winch Adventure, the French crime series Karantina, and the Italian drama Hey Joe. Hey Joe premiered at the Rome Film Festival in October 2024 with Franco attending the press conference and discussing the movie's themes of redemption connecting to his own life (via THR).

Franco's career had also been filled with directorial efforts, with one such project already complete. However, despite a huge cast including Ashton Kutcher, Tim Blake Nelson, Giancarlo Esposito, and Josh Hutcherson, The Long Home still hasn't been released. The Long Home would cost millions of dollars to market, and given Franco's reputation, it will be a difficult sell that could result in a significant loss for the studio.

In 2022, it was announced that Franco would play Fidel Castro in Alina of Cuba, which drew controversy too, and there hasn't been any update since. He has several other movies in production, such as the true-crime movie The Policeman with Vincent Gallo and the action movie The Razor's Edge with Tommy Lee Jones. Fanco has yet to appear in another Hollywood production since his controversies.

Will James Franco Make A Hollywood Comeback?

Franco Faces A Long Road To Hollywood Redemption

As a result of the controversy, Franco's once-bright star has dimmed, leaving questions about his professional future and his place within the entertainment community. The question of a Hollywood comeback for Franco is fraught with complexities. Given the severity of the accusations against him and the industry's move towards more stringent ability, a return to his former level of stardom seems unlikely.

The industry's current climate, coupled with the legal and reputational challenges James Franco continues to navigate, suggests that any potential comeback would require not only time but also a significant shift in public and professional perception.

What James Franco Is Doing Now Outside Of Making Movies

Franco Has Started A New Company

While James Franco's future in movies is in question, the actor remains busy with other endeavors. Though he has stayed out of the spotlight since the allegations against him came to light, Franco did give an interview to Variety in October 2024 to mark his new movie, Hey Joe. In the interview, Franco gave insight into his other endeavors, such as drawing and painting, as well as starting a streetwear fashion label with longtime friend Kyle Lindgren, PALY HOLLYWOOD. Franco has also been in a relationship with actress and filmmaker Izabel Pakzad for several years.

Sources: LA Times, NY Times