James Franco opens up about redemption, "Hey Joe" film, & the end of his friendship with Seth Rogen

James Franco, once one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors, is back on the film festival circuit with Hey Joe, his first major release following a four-year hiatus after a high-profile lawsuit.

The actor attended the Rome Film Festival to support Italian director Claudio Giovannesi’s gritty drama, in which he stars as Dean, an American World War II veteran searching for the son he left behind in Italy. Franco's journey with Hey Joe aligns with his own search for redemption, echoing the themes of personal growth and change that have come to define his life over recent years.

Hollywood Hiatus and Career Reset
Franco’s hiatus began in 2019 after a lawsuit was filed against him for alleged sexual misconduct, leading him to step away from the spotlight. Reflecting on this experience, Franco expressed gratitude for the wake-up call it provided, acknowledging that it forced him to reassess his life and priorities. He admits that the Hollywood fall-out, coupled with the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, led him to change his lifestyle.

"Being told you’re bad is painful,” Franco remarked. “But ultimately, that’s kind of what I needed to just stop going the way I was going.” He spent time working on his personal life, deepening his long-term relationship with actress and director Izabel Pakzad and working through his long-standing struggles with workaholism and inner fulfillment. Franco found solace and direction in David Brooks’ The Second Mountain, a book advocating for a life dedicated to a higher purpose beyond self-interest, which has informed his outlook.

A New Chapter with Hey Joe
Hey Joe marks Franco’s return to acting with a European production, portraying a complex character grappling with his past. The project, he says, was “a gift out of the sky.” The opportunity to work in European cinema, a longstanding dream of Franco’s, felt like the perfect project for this new chapter. He embraced the challenge of performing in Italian for the role, guided by a language coach.

"The first time acting in a non-English film was a very different experience,” Franco said. “But I’ve always loved Italian cinema, and Claudio’s work made this an easy yes.”

Ending a Longtime Friendship
During the interview, Franco addressed his estranged friendship with Pineapple Express co-star Seth Rogen. The pair, known for their comedic collaborations, haven't spoken since Franco’s career hiatus. "I haven’t talked to Seth. I love Seth. We had 20 great years together, but I guess it’s over,” Franco reflected, mentioning he’s expressed his gratitude to Rogen for their time together. Rogen distanced himself from Franco in 2021, publicly expressing disapproval of Franco’s alleged actions and their fallout.

Moving Forward
Franco also hinted at potential directing projects but emphasized a patient approach to his career, leaving room for growth without rushing back to the Hollywood scene. “I love directing,” he noted. “But I’ve learned patience. The right things will come when the time is right.”

Franco’s work on Hey Joe marks his return to the screen, and while he doesn’t anticipate returning to Hollywood in the same way, he remains focused on projects with purpose and a personal resonance. Hey Joe and his role in the upcoming thriller The Razor’s Edge with Tommy Lee Jones signify his readiness to step back into the film industry on his own terms.