Seth Rogen and James Franco’s collaboration spanned over two decades, beginning with their roles on the television series “Freaks and Geeks” in 1999. Their partnership flourished through numerous successful films, including “Pineapple Express,” “This Is the End,” and “The Interview.” However, their professional relationship encountered a significant turning point due to allegations of sexual misconduct against Franco.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
In 2018, multiple women accused James Franco of inappropriate behavior, leading to a lawsuit filed by former students of his acting school. The allegations included claims of sexual exploitation and misconduct. Franco denied the allegations at the time. In February 2021, he agreed to a settlement, paying $2.235 million to resolve the lawsuit.
Rogen’s Response
Following the allegations, Seth Rogen publicly distanced himself from Franco. In May 2021, Rogen stated that he had no plans to work with Franco again, emphasizing his commitment to not covering up abuse and harassment.
Franco’s Perspective
In October 2024, James Franco acknowledged the end of his friendship with Rogen, expressing that it was “hurtful” to hear Rogen’s comments about not working together. He stated, “He had to answer for me ’cause I was silent.”
Current Status
As of February 2025, Seth Rogen has not publicly commented on Franco’s remarks. In a recent interview, Rogen mentioned that he absorbs very little media and was unaware of Franco’s comments about their friendship ending. He declined to discuss the matter further.
In summary, Seth Rogen’s decision to not work with James Franco again stems from the serious allegations of sexual misconduct against Franco, which led to legal action and a public distancing between the two former collaborators.
