For years, Seth Rogen and James Franco were considered one of Hollywood’s most iconic comedy partnerships. However, Rogen says that era is now firmly in the past.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, the actor, writer, and producer revealed that he has no intention of working with Franco again and confirmed that the former collaborators have not spoken in quite some time.
When asked about the current state of their relationship, Rogen chose not to get into personal specifics but left little doubt about where things stand professionally.
“I have not worked with him in years,” Rogen said. “I haven’t worked with him in a really long time, and I have no plans to.”
He later confirmed that the two have not kept in touch, adding, “I haven’t talked to him in a long time, no.”
Rogen and Franco first crossed paths while working on the cult classic television series Freaks and Geeks in 1999. Their friendship eventually evolved into one of Hollywood’s most recognizable comedy partnerships throughout the 2000s and 2010s.
The duo went on to share the screen in a number of hit films, including Pineapple Express, This Is the End, The Interview, and Knocked Up. Their repeated collaborations played a major role in shaping the modern studio comedy landscape and made them key figures within Judd Apatow’s creative circle.
Franco’s career took a major hit in 2018 after five women, including former acting students, accused him of sexually inappropriate and exploitative behavior.
Two former students later filed a class-action lawsuit, alleging that Franco used his acting school to create situations that pressured women into participating in increasingly sexualized auditions and productions.
The case was ultimately settled in 2021 for $2.23 million, though Franco denied the specific allegations contained in the lawsuit.
Rogen had already begun publicly distancing himself from Franco years ago. In a 2021 interview, he reversed earlier comments that suggested the two might work together again, stating, “I have not, and I do not plan to right now.”
Franco later addressed the apparent end of their relationship during a 2024 interview.
“I love Seth, we had 20 great years together, but I guess it’s over. And not for lack of trying,” he said.
