What Happened To James Franco? James Franco’s career was on a roll in the 2010s, with his presence in the film industry growing rapidly. However, he hasn’t been in a movie since 2019. Franco, known for his roles in the Spider-Man trilogy and the acclaimed 127 Hours, where he nabbed an Oscar nod for Best Actor, showcased his versatility in both mainstream and indie films. Collaborations with Seth Rogen, like Pineapple Express and Disaster Artist, solidified his standing in Hollywood, even earning him a Golden Globe for the latter. Despite the past successes, Franco seems to have taken a break from the big screen recently.
Franco used to be a big deal in Hollywood, picking interesting and diverse roles that showcased his undeniable talent. Lately, though, it seems like he’s taken a step back. After a string of successful films, things have slowed down for him. Controversies and allegations have pushed him out of the spotlight, and it’s not clear when or if he’ll make a significant comeback to the big screen.
James Franco Hasn’t Appeared In A Movie Since 2019
Sure thing! So, before 2019, James Franco was like a Hollywood veteran, rocking the scene for more than 20 years. Remember him as Harry Osborn in Spider-Man? Well, that was just the beginning. In the 2010s, he was all over the place—swinging between big hits like Rise of the Planet of the Apes and cool, offbeat stuff like Spring Breakers. The guy had serious range, effortlessly jumping between mega-budget action and those thought-provoking indie gems from A24. And there was no hint of him hitting the brakes.
So, it seems like James Franco has been keeping a low profile lately. His last gig was just lending his voice to a character in Arctic Dogs, an animated film. Even though he’s been working consistently, he’s not in the spotlight as much, especially in leading roles. People are wondering why he’s taking a step back from big Hollywood projects, and there’s a bit of speculation about what’s next for his career in the movies.
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 found himself in hot water with a bunch of lawsuits from his students, and it wasn’t just a small hiccup—it was a whopping class-action lawsuit involving 1500 students all gunning for damages (according to the NY Times). Dealing with all these legal and personal issues took a toll on Franco, and it’s no surprise that he’s been flying under the radar lately. Even though he’s settled the lawsuits and forked over millions in damages, the whole ordeal has seriously affected how people see him. It’s not just about Franco; it’s part of a bigger change in Hollywood’s attitude toward misconduct allegations. Looks like we’re witnessing a new era unfold in the industry’s approach to accountability.
