James Franco breaks silence on career fallout and his life away from Hollywood

The actor said making films and focusing on his long term relationship helped him rebuild his personal life

James Franco has addressed speculation surrounding his years away from mainstream Hollywood, insisting he was never “hiding out” despite the controversy that reshaped his career. The actor and filmmaker spoke during the 2026 CANNES FILM FESTIVAL, where he appeared alongside longtime girlfriend Izabel Pakzad and promoted several upcoming projects.

Franco, now 48, told Deadline that claims suggesting he disappeared from public life after the allegations against him were inaccurate. “It’s not true I’ve been hiding out,” he said while attending the festival’s official dinner on May 12. The actor explained that he has continued travelling to Cannes over recent years to sell projects, watch films and maintain industry relationships.

The comments arrive nearly eight years after Franco faced accusations of sexual misconduct from several women, including former acting students, in 2018. In 2021, court records showed the actor agreed to a $2.235m settlement in a lawsuit brought by two former students connected to his acting school. Franco has previously acknowledged inappropriate behaviour and reflected publicly on the damage caused during that period of his life.

During his latest appearance in Cannes, Franco appeared calm and optimistic while discussing his future in entertainment. He told Deadline he now focuses on “living a positive life” and trying to become “the best person” he can be. The actor also described filmmaking as his purpose, saying he believes he was “put on this planet to make movies.”

Franco and Pakzad attended the opening night screening of The Electric Kiss at the festival, marking another high profile red carpet appearance for the couple. His upcoming action thriller Foster also received a market screening during the event, while Franco revealed he recently completed work on a major studio film expected to arrive either later this year or during 2027.

The actor’s career largely slowed after the allegations surfaced, with Franco stepping away from major Hollywood productions between 2019 and 2024. Since returning to acting, he has appeared in smaller international and independent projects including Hey Joe, Squali, Bunny Man and The Price of Money: A Largo Winch Adventure.

In a previous interview with Variety in 2024, Franco admitted the backlash forced him to confront parts of his behaviour and personal life that he had long ignored. He described the criticism as painful but also necessary, adding that he spent significant time focusing on emotional growth and stability outside the industry.

Franco also credited his relationship with Pakzad for changing his outlook. He said he had previously struggled with intimacy and long term commitment but now values the stability he found away from constant Hollywood pressure.

His Cannes appearance has already triggered strong reactions online, with some viewers welcoming his return to filmmaking while others remain critical of the actor’s comeback following the allegations and settlement.