In a heartfelt interview with Variety published on October 25th, James Franco opened up about the end of his long-time friendship with fellow actor Seth Rogen. Reflecting on their two-decade bond, Franco expressed sadness, stating, “I guess it’s over, and not for lack of trying. I’ve told him how much he’s meant to me.”

Franco and Rogen first crossed paths in 1999 on the cult classic series Freaks and Geeks, leading to a successful collaboration in films like Pineapple Express, This Is the End, and The Interview. However, their relationship hit a significant roadblock in 2018 when Franco faced allegations of sexual misconduct. While he denied these allegations, the fallout included settling a lawsuit from several women who accused him of exploitation during his acting classes.

Rogen later spoke out about the situation in May 2021, emphasizing his stance against abuse and harassment. He admitted to the Sunday Times, “I despise abuse and harassment… it has changed many things in our relationship and our dynamic.” He also mentioned that he was unsure about the current state of their friendship.

Franco, now reflecting on the consequences of the allegations, shared how the experience forced him to reassess his life and choices. “Yes, of course rejection is painful; being told you’re bad is painful,” he said. “But ultimately, that’s kind of what I needed to just stop going the way I was going.” He expressed pride in the self-work he engaged in during his time away from Hollywood, stating that while he wasn’t making movies, he focused on meaningful personal growth.

As Franco processes the loss of this significant friendship, his comments highlight the complexities of their relationship and the impact of recent events on both their lives.