Seth Rogen On James Franco Sexual Assault Allegations Fallout

For years, Seth Rogen and James Franco were one of Hollywood’s most recognizable comedy duos. But according to Rogen, that chapter is firmly closed. In a new interview with The New York Times, the actor, writer, and producer said he has “no plans” to work with Franco again and revealed the two former collaborators have not spoken in a “long time.”

When asked where things stand between them today, Rogen declined to delve into personal details but made it clear that nothing has changed regarding their professional future. “I have not worked with him in years,” Rogen said. “I haven’t worked with him in a really long time, and I have no plans to.” He later added that he and Franco have not been in contact, saying, “I haven’t talked to him in a long time, no.”

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Rogen and Franco first met while filming the cult-favorite television series Freaks and Geeks in 1999 and went on to become a defining comedy partnership of the 2000s and 2010s.

Together, they starred in films including Pineapple Express, This Is the End, The Interview, and Knocked Up. Their frequent collaborations helped shape a generation of studio comedies and made them fixtures of the Judd Apatow comedy universe.

Franco’s career trajectory changed dramatically in 2018 when five women, including former acting students, accused him of sexually exploitative and inappropriate behavior.

Two former students later filed a class-action lawsuit alleging that Franco used his acting school to create opportunities that pressured women into participating in increasingly sexualized auditions and productions.

The lawsuit was settled in 2021 for $2.23 million, though Franco denied the specific allegations outlined in the complaint.

Rogen has publicly distanced himself from Franco before. In a 2021 interview, he walked back earlier comments suggesting they could work together again, stating, “I have not, and I do not plan to right now.”

Meanwhile, Franco acknowledged the apparent end of their friendship during a 2024 interview, saying, “I love Seth, we had 20 great years together, but I guess it’s over. And not for lack of trying.”

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, help is available. Contact the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.org for confidential, 24/7 support.