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James Franco Rejects ‘Hiding Out’ Label as He Reemerges at Cannes

His Cannes return signals an active push to rebuild his career following a 2021 misconduct settlement.

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American actors James Franco and Izabel Pakzad Moore at the Opening Ceremony and Red Carpet for La Vénus Electrique during Cannes Film Festival 2026 in Cannes, May 12, 2026. Franco used the appearance to deny he had been “hiding out” after sexual misconduct allegations and a 2021 settlement with two former acting students.
James Franco attends the “Foster” screening during the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 13, 2026 in Cannes, France. Franco used the appearance to deny he had been “hiding out” after sexual misconduct allegations and a 2021 settlement with two former acting students.
James Franco attends the opening ceremony and La Vénus Electrique screening during the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 12, 2026 in Cannes, France. Franco used the appearance to deny he had been “hiding out” after sexual misconduct allegations and a 2021 settlement with two former acting students.

Overview

  • At the Cannes Film Festival this week, Franco said he has not been hiding and that he is trying to live a positive life.
  • He walked the opening-night red carpet with longtime partner Izabel Pakzad and backed a market screening for his action thriller Foster.
  • He said he has a role in a big studio movie that is already shot, with release timing expected late 2026 or by summer 2027.
  • Franco’s career slowed after five women accused him of sexual misconduct in 2018, and he settled a 2021 lawsuit with two accusers for $2.235 million without admitting wrongdoing.
  • He has eased back into work since 2024 with a run of independent and international films, and he now casts his efforts as making movies and improving his personal life.