What James Franco has said about friendship with Seth Rogen being 'over' as actor makes rare comments

Here is everything that James Franco has said former friend Seth Rogen, as The Studio star says that 'nothing has changed' regarding their estranged relationship.

Yesterday, Rogen addressed where he stands with Franco during an appearance on The New York Times' The Daily podcast, telling journalist Lulu Garcia-Navarro: "I think the proof is in the pudding more than anything. I have not worked with him in years... I think the proof is in the pudding more than anything. I have not worked with him in years."

Rogen distanced himself from his longtime collaborator in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations made against him in 2018, which saw Franco accused of acting inappropriately towards five young women who were attending his acting school.

Franco initially described the allegations as 'not accurate' but later agreed to pay $2.23 million (£1.67million) to settle a lawsuit brought against him by two former students.

James Franco previously said his friendship with Seth Rogen was 'over' (Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)

What has James Franco said about his friendship with Seth Rogen?

The 127 Hours actor has previously opened up on where things stand with his former collaborator, confirming to Variety in 2024 that his friendship with Rogen appeared to be over.

"No. I haven’t talked to Seth," he said. "I love Seth, we had 20 great years together, but I guess it’s over, and not for lack of trying. I’ve told him how much he’s meant to me."

This isn't the only time in which Franco has addressed his and Rogen's former friendship, previously heaping praise on his Pineapple Express costar during an interview with SiriusXM's The Jess Cagle Podcast in 2021.

"I love Seth Rogen," he said. "I worked with him for 20 years. We didn't have one fight for 20 years. Not one fight. He was my absolute closest work friend, collaborator. We just gelled.

"What he said is true. You know, we aren't working together right now, and we don't have any plans to work together."

The actor recently spoke about where he stood with Franco during an interview with The New York Times (Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Franco went on to say the situation was hurtful for him, adding that he didn't want Rogen or his brother, Dave Franco, to have to answer for him anymore.

"Of course, it was hurtful, in context, but I get it. He had to answer for me 'cause I was silent. He had to answer for me, and I don't want that," he said.

"So that's why, that's one of the main reasons I wanted to talk to you today: I don't want Seth or my brother or anyone to have to answer for me anymore."

What is James Franco up to now?

After a relatively low-key few years, Franco confirmed that he was set to appear in his first 'studio picture' since 2017's The Disaster Artist during an appearance at Cannes earlier this year.

Speaking to Deadline about the project, the 48-year-old remained rather tight-lipped, but confirmed it would be premiering at the 'end of this year or spring-summer 2027'.