James Franco Explains Why His 20-Year Friendship With Seth Rogen Is 'Over'

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James Franco's comeback trail is tinged with the bittersweet end of his long-standing friendship with Seth Rogen. The duo, who became icons of comedy with films like Pineapple Express and The Interview, have not spoken since the fallout over Franco's 2018 sexual misconduct allegations.

"I haven't talked to Seth. I love Seth, we had 20 great years together, but I guess it's over," the 46-year-old 127 Hours actor revealed to Variety in an interview published Friday, October 26. "And not for lack of trying. I've told him how much he's meant to me."

James Franco attends the "Hey Joe" red carpet during the 19th Rome Film Festival at Auditorium Parco Della Musica on October 25, 2024 in Rome, Italy. Chatting with 'Variety,' Franco explains that he and long-time... Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

The fracture came after Franco faced accusations from multiple women, leading to a lawsuit that he settled in 2021. Rogen, who has been best pals with the Golden Globe winner for more than 20 years, decided to sever professional ties.

"I despise abuse and harassment and I would never cover or conceal the actions of someone doing it, or knowingly put someone in a situation where they were around someone like that," the Canadian comic told the Sunday Times, shortly after Franco settled his lawsuit.

James Franco (L) and Seth Rogen arrive to the AFI FEST 2017 presented by Audi - screening of "The Disaster Artist" held at TCL Chinese Theatre on November 12, 2017 in Hollywood, California. A few... Michael Tran/FilmMagic

"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," Rogen added.

During Franco's break from the spotlight, he took steps to rebuild his life and address the issues he faced. He's since returned to acting, with roles in Me, You and now Hey Joe. Reflecting on his time away, he admitted, "I'm so grateful to be working. I did go through a lawsuit, and during that lawsuit I wasn't working. But I did certainly use the time to, I hope, good purpose."

Franco continued, "And whatever had been going on with me before, I had to change my whole way of life. So I am proud of the kind of work I did during that time. And yeah, I wasn't working in movies, but I certainly was doing a lot of work to change who I was."