A Timeline of Seth Rogen and James Franco’s Friendship
Seth Rogen and James Franco’s friendship led to one of Hollywood’s most successful comedic duos. Their friendship began in the late 1990s and from there went on to become co-stars in some of some of the most popular comedies of the 2000s and 2010s.
However, after nearly years of friendship and collaboration, recent controversies surrounding Franco’s sexual misconduct towards students at an acting school that he co-owned resulted in both actors publicly admitting their professional relationship and friendship is over.
Here’s a look at the timeline of Seth Rogen and James Franco’s friendship, from its beginnings to its eventual fallout.
Seth Rogen and James Franco’s Friendship
1999: Freaks and Geeks
Seth Rogen and James Franco first met on the set of the TV show Freaks and Geeks. Even if the show only lasted for one season, it opened numerous opportunities for the two. Most notably, the show brought the two together and they developed a friendship that lasted 20 years.
2008: Pineapple Express
Rogen and Franco co-starred in Judd Apatow’s stoner action-comedy movie, Pineapple Express. The film was a critical and commercial success and even had a cult following. Franco even received a Golden Globe award nomination for his role in the film.
2013: This Is the End
The duo’s 2013 apocalyptic comedy film, This Is the End, was also a success. Critics have praised not only Rogen and Franco’s chemistry but also that of their other co-stars, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, and Craig Robinson.
2014: The Interview
The next year, the pair collaborated again on another film, The Interview. The movie is a political satire comedy about a celebrity tabloid TV show host and his producer set to interview North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, played by Randall Park, when the CIA enlists them to assassinate him instead. The movie sparked international controversy with North Korea threatening action against the US if Sony continued to release the film.
2016: Sausage Party
Rogen and Franco’s collaborations extended into animation as well. In 2016, the duo lent their voices to the adult animated movie Sausage Party, which went on to become the highest-grossing R-rated animated movie, earning $141 million on a $19 million budget.
2017: The Disaster Artist
Franco directed, produced, and starred in the 2017 biographical comedy-drama, The Disaster Artist, with his brother, Dave Franco and Rogen in a supporting role. Similar to their other collaborations, The Disaster Artist also received widespread acclaim, with Franco winning a Golden Globe award for Best Actor – Musical or Comedy.
2018: Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Several women, some who were students at Franco’s now-closed acting school, Studio 4, came forward with sexual misconduct allegations against Franco as reported by the Los Angeles Times in 2018. In an interview with Vulture, Rogen stated that he would still work with Franco despite the allegations.
2021: Rogen Distanced Himself
Despite stating in 2018 that he would still work with Franco, Rogen recanted this in his May 2021 interview with The Sunday Times. “I also look back to that interview in 2018 where I comment that I would keep working with James, and the truth is that I have not, and I do not plan to right now.”
2024: Franco’s Admittance
Franco admitted to the Independent his friendship with Rogen is over. “I haven’t talked to Seth. I love Seth, we had 20 great years together, but I guess it’s over. And not for lack of trying. I’ve told him how much he’s meant to me.”
