Seth Rogen Says ‘It Wasn’t on My Radar’ When James Franco Revealed Their Friendship Is Over and ‘Not for a Lack of Trying’

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Seth Rogen, in a recent feature for Esquire magazine, admitted he chose to ignore the internet chatter that erupted last autumn when his former friend and colleague, James Franco, told EbMaster their relationship was permanently ended. Back in 2021, Rogen informed The Sunday Times that he had no intentions of collaborating with Franco anymore following allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

Franco stated last year that he hasn’t had a conversation with Seth recently, but they shared 20 wonderful years together. However, it seems their relationship has ended. Despite his efforts, Franco hasn’t been able to reconnect with him and expressed how much Seth means to him.

When asked by Esquire how it felt for something private turning into public knowledge, Rogen chose not to delve deeper into the subject, only stating: ” frankly, I seldom pay attention to media so it wasn’t something I was aware of.” Esquire acknowledged that he had nothing further to add on the matter.

Seth Rogen and James Franco initially found success together as cast members on the brief but impactful NBC series “Freaks and Geeks.” They later appeared alongside each other in well-known comedies like “Pineapple Express” and “This Is the End.” Rogen served both as producer and star in Franco’s 2017 directorial work, “The Disaster Artist,” which marked their last collaboration.

In 2018, several students from Franco’s old acting school accused him of coercing them into sexual encounters by using intimidation. These accusations, which Franco denied, led to a lawsuit that was finally resolved in February 2021. Initially, Rogen chose to carry on collaborating with Franco despite the allegations, but he later decided to stop in 2021 during his interview with The Sunday Times.

In a reflection of my 2018 interview, I stated that I’d continue collaborating with James. However, it’s important to mention that I haven’t done so since then, and currently, there are no plans for us to work together at this moment,” Rogen admitted, explaining that the accusations against Franco significantly impacted their relationship and dynamic.

In reply to The Times’ remark that the circumstances “were undoubtedly challenging,” Rogen stated: “Indeed, they were tough. However, they are far from the struggles faced by many others affected. I don’t feel sorry for myself in this predicament.

Head over to Esquire’s website to read Rogen’s latest cover story in its entirety.

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2025-02-11 18:16