James Franco Aims for Comeback With New Film Alongside Tommy Lee Jones
- James Franco aims for a comeback alongside Tommy Lee Jones in “The Razor’s Edge.”
- Franco reached a $2.2 million settlement over allegations of his misconduct.
- He has faced accusations, including from actress Ally Sheedy, and judged for his past behaviour.
- The movie’s plot involves a mob hitman facing impossible choices and threats.
- Questions about Franco’s future in Hollywood loom large after the controversy.
Franco Eyes Comeback With New Film After Controversies
James Franco seems determined to stage a comeback of epic proportions, possibly defying the odds, or perhaps the critics, with a new project. He’s been tapped to co-star with none other than Oscar-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones in a film titled “The Razor’s Edge.” Now, before you conjure images of W. Somerset Maugham and his timeless novel, it’s essential to note that this has no connection to that. This is a fresh interpretation from producers Red Sea Media, who are taking their chances at Cannes this year, hoping for international investors to swallow this cinematic bait regardless of Franco’s recent tumultuous past.
Controversies Surrounding Franco’s Career Shadow His Return
Now, before you get too excited, let’s pause and appreciate the slight bump in the road Franco’s had lately. In 2022, he hit a $2.2 million settlement with former students who claimed he groomed them under the guise of acting mentorship, coercing them into unwanted sexual encounters. Compounding the drama were accusations from actress Ally Sheedy, who Franco directed in an off-Broadway production, alongside his own admission of having crossed lines with minors—yikes! Interestingly, while Franco made a slew of films featuring LGBTQ themes, it seems he cleverly masked his predatory behaviour. Those involved presumably thought he was safely off the market, but the truth was anything but.
Navigating an Uncertain Future in the Film Industry
So what’s this new movie about? Directed by Demian Lichtenstein, known for his work on “3000 Miles to Graceland”, the plot makes it sound like the classic tale of a mob hitman trying for redemption, only to have his past catch up with him in the most sensational of ways. When his daughter is kidnapped and the woman he loves is targeted, it leads him on a final mission. Sounds like a real nail-biter while also, potentially, a vehicle for Franco to prove he’s still got it. However, questions abound about whether the American distributor will be willing to touch this film with a ten-foot pole or if it’ll end up being the kind of project Vertical Entertainment usually picks up.
James Franco’s attempts at a comeback are overshadowed by his controversial past and a $2.2 million settlement. With a new film alongside Tommy Lee Jones, he faces the challenge of regaining industry acceptance. Whether he’s successful or faces a fate similar to Mel Gibson’s is the question everyone is asking.
