Seth Rogen and James Franco, once celebrated for their dynamic on-screen collaborations and a friendship spanning over two decades, have experienced a definitive rift in their relationship. This separation stems from allegations of sexual misconduct against Franco, which surfaced in 2018.
In October 2024, during an interview at the Rome Film Festival, Franco addressed the status of his relationship with Rogen. He expressed, “I haven’t talked to Seth. I love Seth, we had 20 great years together, but I guess it’s over.” Franco acknowledged the end of their friendship and conveyed his appreciation for their time together.
Rogen, in a subsequent interview with Esquire, responded to Franco’s remarks. He stated that he absorbs very little media and was not significantly affected by Franco’s comments. Rogen chose not to delve deeper into the topic during the interview.
The professional and personal distancing between the two began in 2018 when multiple women accused Franco of sexual misconduct, particularly involving former students from his acting school. These allegations led to a lawsuit in 2019, which was settled in 2021. In the aftermath, Rogen publicly stated in 2021 that he had no plans to work with Franco in the foreseeable future, emphasizing his disdain for abuse and harassment.
Reflecting on their history, Rogen and Franco first collaborated on the television series “Freaks and Geeks” in 1999, marking the beginning of a prolific partnership. They went on to co-star in several successful films, including “Pineapple Express” and “The Disaster Artist.” However, the allegations against Franco and the subsequent fallout have led to the dissolution of both their professional collaborations and personal friendship.
In summary, the longstanding friendship and professional relationship between Seth Rogen and James Franco have come to an end following serious allegations against Franco. Both have acknowledged the conclusion of their partnership, marking a significant shift in their individual careers and personal lives.