Whether or not you love James Franco does not change this universal truth: He’s everywhere.
The prolific actor/writer/director has credits for his credits. IMDB lists 17 acting credits alone in 2017 — that’s more than one per month. 2018 already has 10 listed, and it’s not even Thanksgiving.
He carried season one of HBO’s surprisingly superb The Deuce playing identical twin brothers, that’s how much Franco there is.
But there’s one place you just won’t find him these days — Instagram.
Related: James Franco Suspects Keegan Allen Stuffed His Speedo For “King Cobra”
Why?
Well, his previous account hit a bit of a hiccup.
James recently addressed the non-troversy in an interview with Variety, explaining how one revealing photo led to the closing of his account for good.
But first, here’s the photo that was the beginning of the end:
“There was some photo I did. I wasn’t naked. I’m sure Rihanna has posted a bunch more risque photos. It was just the attitude of the photo. It was sweaty. My hand was in my boxers. It just looked gross.”
As it turns out, the photo wasn’t just a personal embarrassment — it almost affected his bank account, too.
At the time, James had an endorsement deal with Gucci, and would you believe it? They didn’t care for the image being associated with their brand, and asked him not to share “any more photos like that.”
Related: James Franco Hazes Nick Jonas In New Way-Gay Frat Flick
So he deleted the photo, and soon after, his entire account.
And he’s never looked back:
“It’s very liberating. I just got rid of it. When I first got on, it just felt silly.
“I treated it like it was a joke. You get in that weird seductive space where it feels private, but it’s also public. And you get hooked on the reaction.”
bushwickfreddy
My fave photo of him..HA!
roth99
How many actors would today allow such a photo to be taken? Usually, they are covered with the best lighting and with a top Hollywood stylist. I think he just does not care to be a “star” as he has so many other activities he can do what he wants. He is one of the most creative and unique members of the entertainment community.
Donston
I wouldn’t give Franco that much credit. He’s committed to doing a ton of stuff and is obsessed with seeming off-the-cuff and subversive. But, though he’s a solid enough actor, he’s not really great at any of the many things he indulges. And his public persona is just as manipulated as anyone else’s. I do give him some credit for having a self-awareness and self-deprecation that most industry leading men and wannabe leading men lack.
stevetalbert
How can a public pic posting app be considered private??! Does he also think walking around the street that way is also “private”??! Some people are too self absorbed
pudman56
Okay, stevetalbert, let me explain how you can be posting a pic but feel like you’re not showing it to the world. I don’t use Instagram, but I do use FB. I post a lot of things. Naked selfies, no. Why? Because I don’t look like James Franco. But everything I post is public. However, when I’m posting it does feel like you’re sharing with your real friends, you sort of forget about the FB friends. Also, there was absolutely nothing wrong with the picture (other than the fact that it wasn’t a totally nude shot). Now, maybe your real friends are your Instagram friends (or whatever they are called over there).
crowebobby
He should have left his lovely uncut dick in the basketball scenes of his early experimental (?) film as his sexual legacy.
ingyaom
JF is “uncut”?
crowebobby
He sure looks it in the film though it is a bit dark.
o.codone
Where’s the link crowebobby, do you have one? I’d love to see JF’s dik pic. And, I would guess he’s not super hung, just kinda normal, right? He doesn’t exude that big dick confidence that the donkey-size players do.
Seems like you do your research on size, so let me ask you, name some famous actors, sports stars, public figures who are hung. If I get a few leads It’ll give me something to google for a few days.
Jonathonz
I don’t mind that photo a bit.