UMVA has learned that Seth Rogen has made a definitive statement about his working relationship with former friend and co-star James Franco, saying he has "no plans" to collaborate with him again.
The two comedians, who worked together on hit films like Knocked Up, Pineapple Express, This is the End, and The Interview, have not collaborated since 2017. Their professional split came after five women accused Franco of "sexually exploitative" behavior in 2018.
A lawsuit was filed in 2019 by two of the accusers, claiming Franco engaged in "widespread inappropriate and sexually charged behavior" towards female students. The case was settled in 2021 for $2.23 million. Since then, Rogen has distanced himself from Franco, both personally and professionally.
In a recent interview, Rogen described the situation as a "very personal thing" and emphasized that his public stance on the matter has not changed. "I have not worked with him in years, and I have no plans to," he stated.
Rogen and Franco were once inseparable, working together on several projects and becoming one of Hollywood's most prominent double-acts. However, Rogen has made it clear that their friendship and professional partnership are now over.
Franco has since returned to work, appearing in films like Hey Joe and Bunny-Man. He is also set to appear in the 2027 prequel John Rambo, reportedly in a villainous role. Despite his return to the screen, Franco's past actions continue to have repercussions on his relationships with former colleagues.
Rogen's stance on working with Franco has evolved over time. In 2018, he suggested that he might consider collaborating with Franco again in the future. However, by 2021, his position had hardened, and he stated that he would never work with someone who had engaged in abusive behavior.
The split between Rogen and Franco marks the end of an era for the comedic duo, who brought laughter to audiences with their irreverent humor and on-screen chemistry. Their complicated history serves as a reminder of the complexities of power dynamics and accountability in the entertainment industry.
