History of James Franco in Timeline

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James Franco

James Franco is an American actor and filmmaker known for his diverse roles in both mainstream and independent cinema. He gained recognition for his roles in the Spider-Man trilogy, Milk, and 127 Hours, for which he received an Academy Award nomination. He frequently collaborates with Seth Rogen, appearing in comedies like Pineapple Express, This Is the End, and The Interview. Franco won a Golden Globe for his performance in The Disaster Artist, which he also directed. Beyond acting, he has directed and produced numerous films.

1900: Publication of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

In 1900, L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" was published. This book served as the basis for the later film "Oz the Great and Powerful", starring James Franco in 2013.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Illustrated First Edition): 100th Anniversary OZ Collection
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Illustrated First Edition): 100th Anniversary OZ Collection

1940: Daniel Verovitz changed his surname to Verne

Sometime after 1940, James Franco's maternal grandfather, Daniel Verovitz, changed his surname to Verne.

1947: Mother's Birth

In 1947, Betsy Lou, James Franco's mother, was born. She is a children's book author and actress.

1948: Father's Birth

In 1948, Douglas Eugene Franco, James Franco's father, was born. He ran a Silicon Valley business.

1973: Publication of Child of God novella

In 1973, Cormac McCarthy's novella "Child of God" was published. The story would later be adapted into a film starring Scott Haze in 2012, directed by James Franco.

Child of God (Vintage International)
Child of God (Vintage International)

April 19, 1978: James Franco's Birth in Palo Alto, California

James Edward Franco was born on April 19, 1978, in Palo Alto, California. His mother is a children's book author, and his father ran a Silicon Valley business.

Others born on this day/year

April 19, 1978: James Franco's Birth

James Edward Franco was born on April 19, 1978. He is an American actor and filmmaker.

Others born on this day/year

1991: Release of My Own Private Idaho

In 1991, the movie "My Own Private Idaho" was released. James Franco reunited with director Van Sant to make Unfinished, a project that features two movies based on unused footage from the 1991 movie "My Own Private Idaho".

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1996: Graduated from Palo Alto High School

In 1996, James Franco graduated from Palo Alto High School where he acted in plays.

1998: Attended CSSSA for theater studies

In 1998, James Franco attended CSSSA for theater studies.

1999: First Prominent TV Role in Freaks and Geeks

In 1999, James Franco played Daniel Desario on the television show Freaks and Geeks.

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1999: Cast in Freaks and Geeks

In 1999, James Franco was cast in a leading role on the NBC television series Freaks and Geeks.

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2000: Freaks and Geeks Ended

In 2000, Freaks and Geeks ended. It later developed a cult following.

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2000: Acted in Whatever It Takes

In 2000, James Franco played Chris in Whatever It Takes.

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2001: Portrayal of James Dean

In 2001, James Franco portrayed James Dean in a biographical film, winning a Golden Globe Award and receiving nominations for other awards.

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2001: Cast as James Dean in TV biographical film

In 2001, James Franco was cast as James Dean in director Mark Rydell's TV biographical film James Dean. He received a Golden Globe Award and nominations for an Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award (SAG) for his performance.

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2002: Gained Fame in Spider-Man

In 2002, James Franco achieved worldwide fame and attention in the superhero film Spider-Man, playing Harry Osborn.

2002: Starred in Sonny and City by the Sea

In 2002, James Franco starred in Sonny, directed by Nicolas Cage, and played a drug addict in City by the Sea after Robert De Niro saw his work in James Dean.

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2003: Co-starred in The Company

In 2003, James Franco co-starred with Neve Campbell in Robert Altman's ballet movie The Company.

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2004: Reprised Role in Spider-Man 2

In 2004, James Franco reprised his role in Spider-Man 2.

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2005: Starred in The Ape and The Great Raid

In 2005, James Franco made and starred in The Ape and the war film The Great Raid.

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February 11, 2006: Paintings displayed publicly for the first time

On February 11, 2006, James Franco's paintings were displayed publicly for the first time at the Glü Gallery in Los Angeles, the exhibit had started on January 7.

September 2006: Released Flyboys and Appeared in The Wicker Man

In September 2006, Flyboys was released and James Franco appeared briefly in The Wicker Man.

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2006: Re-enrollment at UCLA

In autumn 2006, James Franco, feeling dissatisfied with his career's direction, reenrolled at UCLA as an English major with a creative writing concentration. He was permitted to take up to 62 course credits per quarter, which was significantly more than the typical 19-credit limit, while still acting.

2007: Starred in Spider-Man 3, Knocked Up, Camille, and Interview

In 2007, James Franco played Harry Osborn in Spider-Man 3, made a cameo appearance in Knocked Up, co-starred in Camille, and appeared in a voice-only role in Interview. He also wrote, directed, and starred in Good Time Max.

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2007: Starring in Spider-Man 3

In 2007, James Franco reprised his role as Harry Osborn in Spider-Man 3. He also made cameo appearances in Knocked Up.

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June 2008: Graduation from UCLA

In June 2008, James Franco received his undergraduate degree from UCLA with a GPA of 3.5/4.0. For his degree, Franco prepared his departmental honors thesis as a novel under the supervision of Mona Simpson.

September 20, 2008: Hosted Saturday Night Live

On September 20, 2008, James Franco hosted the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL).

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2008: Starred in Milk

In 2008, James Franco starred in Gus Van Sant's Milk.

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2008: Starring in Milk and Pineapple Express

In 2008, James Franco starred in Milk and Pineapple Express.

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2008: Starred in Pineapple Express and hosted SNL

In 2008, James Franco starred in Pineapple Express and hosted Saturday Night Live (SNL) on September 20, 2008.

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2008: Named Face of Gucci's Men's Fragrance Line

In 2008, James Franco was named as the face of Gucci's men's fragrance line.

June 12, 2009: Withdrawal from UCLA Commencement Speech

On June 12, 2009, James Franco was selected as the commencement speaker at UCLA, but withdrew citing a date conflict with location pre-production on a film.

December 19, 2009: Hosted Saturday Night Live Again

On December 19, 2009, James Franco hosted Saturday Night Live (SNL) for the second time.

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2009: Recurring Role on General Hospital

In 2009, James Franco had a recurring role on General Hospital.

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2009: Named Sexiest Man Living by Salon

In 2009, James Franco was named the Sexiest Man Living by Salon.

2009: Joined General Hospital

In late 2009, James Franco joined the cast of the daytime soap opera General Hospital on a recurring basis, playing Franco, a multimedia artist.

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May 2010: Cast in Rise of the Planet of the Apes

In May 2010, James Franco was cast to star in Rupert Wyatt's "Rise of the Planet of the Apes".

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May 2010: Short Films Presented at Maryland Film Festival

In May 2010, James Franco's short films as director "The Feast of Stephen" and "Herbert White" were both presented within Maryland Film Festival.

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June 2010: Solo Exhibition "The Dangerous Book Four Boys"

In June 2010, James Franco presented his first solo exhibition, "The Dangerous Book Four Boys", at The Clocktower Gallery in New York City. The show featured video, drawings, sculptures, and installation.

September 2010: Franco Acquires Rights to The Adderall Diaries

In September 2010, James Franco acquired the rights to Stephen Elliott's "The Adderall Diaries", with plans to adapt, direct, and star in the film.

The Adderall Diaries: A Memoir
The Adderall Diaries: A Memoir

September 23, 2010: Erroneous Announcement of 'D' Grade

On September 23, 2010, James Franco erroneously announced on Showbiz411 that he received a "D" grade in an "Acting" class at the NYU Graduate Film School. He had, in fact, received that grade in a "Directing the Actor" class.

October 19, 2010: Publication of Palo Alto

On October 19, 2010, Scribner published "Palo Alto", a collection of short stories by James Franco.

Palo Alto: Stories
Palo Alto: Stories

November 5, 2010: Limited release of 127 Hours

On November 5, 2010, "127 Hours", directed by Danny Boyle and starring James Franco as Aron Ralston, was given a limited release. The film focuses on Ralston's struggle to survive after his hand becomes trapped under a boulder, and his eventual amputation of his arm.

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2010: Appearance on 30 Rock and roles in Date Night, Eat Pray Love and Howl

In 2010, James Franco appeared on the sitcom "30 Rock" playing himself and having a fake romance with Jenna Maroney. He also starred in the commercial successes "Date Night" and "Eat Pray Love", and played Allen Ginsberg in the drama "Howl", which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2010.

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2010: Directing Herbert White Short Film

In 2010, James Franco made a short film for the poem (made by Franco into a 2010 short film) by Frank Bidart

2010: Documentary Saturday Night and Museum Exhibits

In 2010, James Franco produced and directed a documentary titled "Saturday Night". Also in the summer of 2010, the fictional Franco from "General Hospital" held an exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, while the real Franco held an exhibit at the museum based on his experiences on the soap opera.

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2010: Received MFA from Columbia

In 2010, James Franco received his M.F.A. from Columbia University School of the Arts.

2010: Starring in Eat Pray Love and 127 Hours

In 2010, James Franco starred in Eat Pray Love and 127 Hours.

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January 2011: Franco plans to direct and star in The Night Stalker

In January 2011, James Franco announced plans to direct and star in "The Night Stalker", a film based on Philip Carlo's book about serial killer Richard Ramirez.

The Night Stalker: The Disturbing Life and Chilling Crimes of Richard Ramirez
The Night Stalker: The Disturbing Life and Chilling Crimes of Richard Ramirez

January 2011: Screening of Three's Company The Drama at Sundance Film Festival

In January 2011, James Franco screened his multimedia project, "Three's Company The Drama", at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.

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January 2011: Franco Honored at Art of Elysium Heaven Gala

In January 2011, James Franco was honored at the Art of Elysium Heaven Gala in Los Angeles for his volunteer work with the charity, which helps children with serious medical conditions. He received the Spirit of Elysium accolade.

January 26, 2011: Satirical Video on Funny or Die

On January 26, 2011, James Franco and the Harvard Lampoon released a satirical video on Funny or Die mocking his last-minute cancellation of the UCLA commencement speech.

February 23, 2011: Cameo appearance on Minute to Win It

On February 23, 2011, James Franco made a cameo appearance on NBC's "Minute to Win It", where Aron Ralston was participating as a contestant playing for charity.

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February 27, 2011: Hosting the 83rd Academy Awards

On February 27, 2011, James Franco co-hosted the 83rd Academy Awards with Anne Hathaway. The choice of Franco and Hathaway was meant to attract a younger demographic, but Franco's performance was largely criticized for his perceived lack of enthusiasm and energy. The show itself received negative reviews, and Franco addressed the criticism in later interviews, discussing his lack of high expectations for the job and denying allegations of being under the influence.

March 31, 2011: "An Evening with James Franco" Benefit Dinner

On March 31, 2011, James Franco participated in "An Evening with James Franco", a Washington D.C. dinner benefit for 826DC, a non-profit after-school literature program. He spoke about the need for more originality in school literature programs.

April 2011: Franco Autographs T-shirt for Tsunami Relief

In April 2011, James Franco autographed a T-shirt to be auctioned off through the Yoshiki Foundation, with the proceeds being donated for Japanese tsunami relief.

July 2011: Filming Begins for Oz the Great and Powerful

In July 2011, filming began for "Oz the Great and Powerful", starring James Franco.

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August 5, 2011: Release of Rise of the Planet of the Apes

On August 5, 2011, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes", a reboot of the Planet of the Apes series starring James Franco, was released.

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August 2011: Confirmed separation from Ahna O'Reilly

In an interview for Playboy magazine's August 2011 issue, James Franco confirmed his separation from actress Ahna O'Reilly, citing his interest in education as a factor.

2011: Death of Douglas Eugene Franco

In 2011, Douglas Eugene Franco, James Franco's father, passed away.

2011: First European Art Exhibition

In 2011, James Franco launched his first European art exhibition at Peres Projects in Berlin.

2011: Directorial Debut and Filmmaking Ventures

In 2011, James Franco made his dance-theater directorial debut with "Collage" at Stella Adler Studios in New York. Additionally, he directed two short films for R.E.M.'s songs "Blue" and "That Someone Is You" from their album Collapse into Now. He also directed 'The Broken Tower' about poet Hart Crane, which was screened at the Los Angeles Film Festival.

2011: Starring in Rise of the Planet of the Apes

In 2011, James Franco starred in Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

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2011: Teaching Film Courses

In 2011, James Franco taught a graduate-level film course at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. He also taught film classes at USC and UCLA and a screenwriting class on Skillshare. He assisted his students' film projects by attracting actors, including Seth MacFarlane, Kate Mara, Natalie Portman, Chloë Sevigny, Kristen Wiig and Olivia Wilde.

2011: Addressed Media Misquotes and College Interest

In a 2011 interview, James Franco addressed frequent media coverage regarding his interest in attending colleges and claimed to have been strongly misquoted by reports in the media, which led to him being parodied on SNL.

February 2012: Filming Child of God

In February 2012, James Franco began shooting a film version of Cormac McCarthy's "Child of God", starring Scott Haze. The film depicts the violent impulses of Lester Ballard.

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Child of God (Vintage International)
Child of God (Vintage International)

April 2012: Ranked on Shalom Life's List of Talented Jewish Men

In April 2012, Shalom Life ranked James Franco and his brother, Dave, together as number two on its list of 50 talented and attractive Jewish men.

September 2012: Release of Daddy's First Single and EP

In September 2012, James Franco announced the release of his band Daddy's first single "Love in the Old Days" and their first EP "MotorCity".

September 2012: Defamation Lawsuit Filed by José Angel Santana

In September 2012, José Angel Santana filed a lawsuit against James Franco for defamation, claiming that Franco's comments about his teaching had led to Santana's termination.

2012: Starring in General Hospital and Spring Breakers

In 2012, James Franco starred in Spring Breakers and had a recurring role on General Hospital.

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2012: DVD Release of The Broken Tower

In 2012, James Franco's film, The Broken Tower, a docudrama about the poet Hart Crane, was released on DVD.

March 8, 2013: Release of Oz the Great and Powerful

On March 8, 2013, "Oz the Great and Powerful", a Disney prequel to L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz", starring James Franco, was released.

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March 2013: Featured in UCLA Advertisement

In March 2013, James Franco was featured in half-page print advertisements for his alma mater UCLA, which celebrated him as a "prolific academic" with the tagline: "Some A-Listers Actually Get A's".

March 2013: Franco set to make Broadway debut in Of Mice and Men

In March 2013, it was announced that James Franco was set to make his 2014 Broadway stage debut in the role of George in a revival of John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men".

Of Mice and Men
Of Mice and Men

April 2013: Franco Receives Ally Award

In April 2013, James Franco received the Ally Award at the 15th annual Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in recognition of his support of the LGBT community.

July 9, 2013: Announcement as Comedy Central Roast Roastee

On July 9, 2013, it was announced that James Franco would be the featured roastee on the next Comedy Central Roast.

September 2, 2013: Airing of the Comedy Central Roast

On September 2, 2013, the Comedy Central Roast of James Franco aired.

September 2013: Campaign for Oscar nomination for Spring Breakers

In September 2013, A24 films began a campaign in support of a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for James Franco's performance in "Spring Breakers".

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September 2013: Settlement of Defamation Lawsuit

In September 2013, James Franco and José Angel Santana settled the defamation lawsuit out of court.

October 2013: Appearance in Thirty Seconds to Mars music video

In October 2013, James Franco appeared in the music video for "City of Angels" by Thirty Seconds to Mars.

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December 2013: Publication of Explanatory Article on Selfies

In December 2013, James Franco wrote an explanatory article for The New York Times about his deliberate garnering of a reputation for publishing "selfies".

2013: Directing and starring in As I Lay Dying and This Is the End

In 2013, James Franco directed a film version of William Faulkner's novel "As I Lay Dying", which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival. He also starred in "This Is the End" as a fictionalized version of himself.

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As I Lay Dying
As I Lay Dying

2013: Starring in Oz the Great and Powerful and This Is the End

In 2013, James Franco starred in Oz the Great and Powerful and This Is the End.

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2013: Featured on Man of the World Magazine Cover

In 2013, James Franco was featured as the cover model and featured focus in the men's magazine "Man of the World".

February 2014: Support Article for Shia LaBeouf's Performance Art

In February 2014, James Franco wrote an article in The New York Times in support of Shia LaBeouf's metamodernist performance art, describing it as an attempt to reclaim his public persona.

April 2014: Publication of Poetry Collection

In April 2014, Graywolf Press published James Franco's first collection of poetry, "Directing Herbert White".

Directing Herbert White: Poems
Directing Herbert White: Poems

April 2014: Directing "Techno Color Sunglasses" for Gucci and starring in The Interview

In April 2014, James Franco directed and appeared in "Techno Color Sunglasses", promoting Gucci's eyewear collection. Also in 2014, he starred in the controversial comedy thriller, "The Interview".

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April 2014: Franco Presents at Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Easter Bonnet Competition

In April 2014, James Franco presented at the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Easter Bonnet Competition with Leighton Meester and Chris O'Dowd, after raising donations at his Broadway show 'Of Mice and Men'.

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June 2014: Franco Performs in Broadway Bares

In June 2014, James Franco performed in the BC/EFA benefit Broadway Bares.

2014: Broadway debut in Of Mice and Men

In 2014, James Franco made his Broadway stage debut in the role of George in a revival of John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men".

Of Mice and Men
Of Mice and Men

2014: Starring in The Interview

In 2014, James Franco starred in The Interview.

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2014: Controversy over Alleged Messages with a Minor

In 2014, a seventeen-year-old girl posted screenshots of alleged messages between her and James Franco on Instagram. Franco admitted to writing the messages and faced criticism for attempting to meet her in a hotel room after she disclosed her age. He later expressed embarrassment and stated he had learned his lesson.

2014: Alleged Messages on Instagram

In 2014, screenshots of alleged messages between a 17-year-old girl and James Franco were posted on Instagram, showing Franco attempting to meet her in a hotel room.

March 2015: Discussion of Sexuality in Four Two Nine Magazine

In a March 2015 interview with Four Two Nine magazine, James Franco opened up about his sexuality, expressing his views on how homosexuality was defined in the past and his own perspective on his sexuality in his art and life.

April 2015: I Am Michael and True Story shown at Sundance Film Festival

In April 2015, James Franco's films "I Am Michael" and "True Story" were shown at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. In "I Am Michael", Franco plays a gay activist who rejects his homosexuality. In "True Story", Franco plays Christian Longo, a man who murdered his family.

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2015: Official Bar Mitzvah Ceremony

In 2015, James Franco had an official bar mitzvah ceremony, presided over by a rabbi.

2015: Published Editorial about McDonald's

In 2015, James Franco published an editorial in the Washington Post titled "McDonald's was there for me when no one else was", reflecting on his time working there.

2015: Casted in Hulu limited series 11.22.63

In 2015, James Franco was cast in the lead role for the Hulu limited series "11.22.63", based on the novel by Stephen King.

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11-22-63: A Novel
11-22-63: A Novel

2015: Production of Dear James Franco

In 2015, Under the Gun Theater, a Chicago-based theater company, developed a show inspired by and titled after Franco. The production "Dear James Franco" used, parodied and deconstructed letters penned to or by celebrities, and used improvisation to satirize their subject matter.

February 15, 2016: Premiere of 11.22.63 on Hulu

On February 15, 2016, the eight-episode series "11.22.63", starring James Franco and based on the novel by Stephen King, premiered on Hulu.

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December 2016: Release of Why Him?

In December 2016, the comedy "Why Him?", starring James Franco, was released. Franco played an immature tech-billionaire.

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2016: Directing and starring in The Disaster Artist

In 2016, James Franco directed, co-produced, and starred in "The Disaster Artist", based on Greg Sestero's book about the making of "The Room". Franco portrayed Tommy Wiseau.

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2016: Starring in Sausage Party

In 2016, James Franco starred in Sausage Party.

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2016: Starred in 11.22.63

In 2016, James Franco starred in the limited series 11.22.63.

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2016: Treatment for sexual addiction

Since 2016, James Franco underwent treatment for sexual addiction.

May 19, 2017: Release of Alien: Covenant

On May 19, 2017, "Alien: Covenant" was released. James Franco played Branson, the captain of the Covenant ship.

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December 1, 2017: Release of The Disaster Artist

On December 1, 2017, "The Disaster Artist" was released to positive reviews, with James Franco's portrayal of Tommy Wiseau gaining praise. The role won him a Golden Globe Award.

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2017: Slowing down to focus on himself

At the end of 2017, James Franco, almost 40, stated that he was slowing down to focus on himself.

2017: Starred in The Deuce

In 2017, James Franco starred in The Deuce, an HBO drama created by David Simon.

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2017: Starring in The Disaster Artist

In 2017, James Franco starred in The Disaster Artist, for which he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.

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January 9, 2018: Cancellation of New York Times Event

On January 9, 2018, The New York Times canceled a planned event with James Franco, citing the controversy surrounding recent allegations of sexual misconduct. The event was intended to be a discussion of the making of the film, 'The Disaster Artist'.

January 11, 2018: Allegations of Inappropriate Behavior

On January 11, 2018, the Los Angeles Times reported that five women were accusing James Franco of inappropriate or sexually exploitative behavior during the period when he was serving as their acting teacher or mentor. Franco's attorney disputed the allegations.

2018: Criticism at Golden Globe Awards

At the 2018 Golden Globe Awards, James Franco wore a Time's Up pin in solidarity with the MeToo movement, but his actions drew immediate criticism. Actress Ally Sheedy hinted at a negative experience working with him, and a former girlfriend, Violet Paley, alleged that he had forced her to perform oral sex.

2018: Busy Philipps' account of Franco's behavior on 'Freaks and Geeks' set

In 2018, Busy Philipps alleged in her memoir that James Franco screamed at her and violently shoved her to the ground while they were on the set of 'Freaks and Geeks'.

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2018: Accusations of Inappropriate Behavior

In 2018, the Los Angeles Times reported that five women accused James Franco of inappropriate and sexually exploitative behavior.

October 3, 2019: Lawsuit Filed Against Franco

On October 3, 2019, two former students of James Franco's defunct film and acting school, Studio 4, filed a lawsuit alleging sexual exploitation and a "boy's club" culture. The lawsuit claimed students were subjected to sexually exploitative auditions, film shoots, and pressure to perform simulated sexual acts, with students being pressured to audition nude or partially nude if a scene called for nudity. The litigants sought unspecified monetary damages.

2019: The Deuce Ended

In 2019, The Deuce, in which James Franco starred, ended.

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February 21, 2021: Lawsuit Settlement Reported

On February 21, 2021, it was reported that the lawsuit against Franco by two former students had been settled, with the students agreeing to drop their individual claims, according to documents filed on February 11. The deal was submitted for preliminary court approval.

March 15, 2021: Settlement Deal Submitted for Court Approval

On March 15, 2021, the settlement deal in the lawsuit against James Franco was submitted for preliminary court approval, following the agreement by the two former students to drop their individual claims.

April 2021: Charlyne Yi's accusations against Franco

In April 2021, Charlyne Yi stated that after they attempted to quit the film 'The Disaster Artist' over the allegations against James Franco, the filmmakers responded by offering them a larger role. Yi viewed this as an attempted bribe and also accused Seth Rogen of enabling Franco's behavior.

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June 2021: Settlement Terms Revealed

In June 2021, the terms of the settlement in the lawsuit against James Franco were revealed. Franco was to pay more than $2.2 million, pending a judge's approval, to resolve two legal disputes.

December 23, 2021: First Interview in Nearly Four Years

On December 23, 2021, James Franco gave his first interview in nearly four years when he appeared on an episode of the Jess Cagle Podcast.

2021: Franco entered recovery for substance abuse

In 2021, James Franco stated that he had, at one time, entered recovery for substance abuse.

2021: Lawsuit Settlement

In 2021, the lawsuit against James Franco alleging sexual harassment and fraud was settled for $2.2 million.

August 2022: Franco Cast as Fidel Castro

In August 2022, James Franco was cast as Fidel Castro in "Alina in Cuba" (later retitled "Castro's Daughter").

October 2024: Premiere of Hey Joe at Rome Film Festival

In October 2024, "Hey Joe" starring James Franco premiered at the Rome Film Festival.

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November 28, 2024: Opening of Hey Joe in Italian Cinemas

On November 28, 2024, the film "Hey Joe" starring James Franco opened in Italian cinemas.

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2024: Appearance in The Price of Money: A Largo Winch Adventure

In 2024, James Franco appeared in the French thriller "The Price of Money: A Largo Winch Adventure".

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2024: Relationship with Izabel Pakzad Reported

In 2024, it was reported that James Franco had been dating Izabel Pakzad since 2017.

May 2025: Grindstone acquired U.S. distribution for Golden State Killer starring Franco

In May 2025, Deadline reported that Lionsgate’s partner Grindstone acquired U.S. distribution for the true-crime feature Golden State Killer (retitled from The Policeman), starring Vincent Gallo as Joseph James DeAngelo and Franco as the detective trying to catch him.

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