James Franco, now 46, is opening up about his journey of transformation after facing significant setbacks in his career due to allegations of sexual misconduct. Speaking candidly to Variety before the Rome Film Festival screening of his latest movie, Hey Joe, Franco shared insights on how his life and priorities have evolved since those accusations brought about a pause in his career.
Reflecting on the controversy that erupted after accusations from five women, including four of his former acting students, Franco explained that the ordeal forced him to reassess his actions and reframe his life. He commented, “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.” Franco, who has continued to pursue roles in the U.S. as well as internationally, expressed his intent to move forward while acknowledging the challenges he faced.
“Painful Lessons and a Necessary Pause”
Reflecting on the personal toll, Franco admitted, “Being told you’re bad is painful, but ultimately, that’s kind of what I needed to just stop going the way I was going.” He indicated that the experiences he went through were formative, ultimately helping him realign his goals and find a new perspective on life. Franco added that the hiatus allowed him to redirect his energies, emphasizing, “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 needed to change.”
More Read
With this period of introspection, Franco says his focus now is on contributing meaningfully to his projects rather than seeking validation through his work. “So now that I am working, I can just be there for the project,” he explained. “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.’”
A Journey of Personal Transformation
The allegations against Franco first surfaced in 2018, prompting the actor to take time off from Hollywood. He did not return to acting until he was ready to face the challenges head-on, using the hiatus for personal growth. Franco told Variety, “I did certainly use the time to, I hope, good purpose. And whatever had been going on with me before, I had to change my whole way of life.” He noted that his recovery and introspection helped him examine deeper issues, linking the changes he made to his prior experiences overcoming substance abuse.
Franco’s self-reflection also extended to his once-close friendship with actor Seth Rogen, who distanced himself following the controversy. Franco admitted in 2021 that the friendship had ended but expressed gratitude for the “20 great years” they shared.
Rebuilding and Moving Forward
In 2021, Franco publicly addressed the allegations, acknowledging that his behavior warranted introspection. He cited Damon Young, a writer who suggests that real change goes beyond just a quick apology, and Franco’s own journey aligns with that philosophy. “You just want to get out in front of it and whatever you have to do apologize, you know, get it done,” Franco reflected. “But what that doesn’t do is allow you to do the work to, and to look at what was underneath.”
