James Franco Says 'I Had to Change My Whole Way of Life' After Accusations: 'Being Told You're Bad Is Painful'

Mar. 15, 2025

James Franco.Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty

James Francois coming to terms with his past.

Records PEOPLE obtained at the time showed heagreed to pay $2.235 millionin the settlement.

James Franco in Hey Joe.youtube

youtube

“Being told you’re bad is painful,” he toldVariety, seemingly grateful for the wake-up call. “But ultimately, that’s kind of what I needed to just stop going the way I was going.”

“So now, after having the pause and, I think, changing priorities, I guess what I seek to fulfill me in life [is different],” Franco added about life since the controversy.

His first film to be released since 2019 was this year’s French thrillerThe Price of Money: A Largo Winch Adventure. Although it debuted in France in July, there are currently no plans for an American release.

“Ultimately, I think I’m kind of grateful because it did afford me a chance to just do whatever private work and really change what I need to change,” Franco continued. “So now that I am working, I can just be there for the project. It’s not about me trying to fill some hole with work, it’s just about, ‘Wow, I have a really great life. I’m very grateful, and I hope to serve whatever project I do.’ ”

James Franco attends the “Hey Joe” red carpet during the 19th Rome Film Festival.Daniele Venturelli/WireImage

Daniele Venturelli/WireImage

TheRise of the Planet of the Apesactor also shared what it was like to go from a beloved star to a Hollywood outcast.

“I mean, it is what it is. I’ve honestly moved past it. It was dealt with, and I got to change. So that’s it, it’s over. I mean, I’ve worked in the U.S. too. So I’m just trying to move on,” he said.

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Franco’s allegations and lawsuit didn’t just have a lasting impact on his career, but his friendships, too.

“I haven’t talked to Seth. I love Seth,we had 20 great years together, but I guess it’s over,” he said of his relationship withSeth Rogen.

Rogen and Franco worked together on projects such asFreaks and Geeks,Pineapple Express,This Is The EndandThe Disaster Artist.

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“And not for lack of trying. I’ve told him how much he’s meant to me,” Franco added.

The Italian drama stars Franco as “American sailor Dean Barry, 23 years old, [who] lands in Naples in 1944. Dean develops feelings for native Lucia, with whom he has a son. Dean is compelled to leave them but finally returns to see his family again, in a changed city,” per asynopsis.

source: people.com