James Franco made a rare public appearance recently to celebrate his brother Dave Franco’s milestone 40th birthday. The event took place at the 71st Taormina Film Festival in Taormina, Italy, on June 11, 2025. The Franco brothers were spotted together, with Dave standing proudly in front of a birthday cake surrounded by loved ones, including his wife, Alison Brie, their mother, Betsy Franco, and James’ girlfriend, Izabel Pakzad, alongside producer Tiziana Rocca.
This outing marks a significant moment for James, who has been relatively low-profile in recent years. His last notable public engagement was nearly a year ago when he participated in an interview where he openly discussed the end of his long-standing friendship with fellow actor Seth Rogen. In that conversation, James expressed his affection for Rogen, stating, “I love Seth, we had 20 great years together, but I guess it’s over. And not for lack of trying. I’ve told him how much he’s meant to me,” during an interview with Variety in October 2024.
The dynamics of their friendship took a turn following allegations of sexual misconduct against James in 2018. Five women accused him of inappropriate behavior, including four who were students at his acting school, Studio 4. One of the accusers, Sarah Tither-Kaplan, claimed that James “abused his power by exploiting the non-celebrity women that he worked with under the guise of giving them opportunities.” James has consistently denied the allegations, but the fallout from these events has had a lasting impact on his career and personal relationships.
In a February 2025 interview with Esquire, Seth Rogen responded to James’ comments about their friendship, stating, “Honestly, I absorb so little media that it really wasn’t on my radar.” He chose not to delve deeply into the topic, signaling a desire to move forward from their past collaborations.
James and Seth had a prolific partnership, appearing together in several films over the years, including the popular comedies “Pineapple Express” and “This Is the End.” However, the allegations against James led to a significant rift between the two, as Rogen has distanced himself from Franco in the wake of the accusations.
In 2019, two of James’ former students filed a lawsuit against him in Los Angeles County Superior Court for sexual misconduct, accusing him and his business partners of fostering a toxic environment that sexualized their power as teachers. The lawsuit was settled in 2022 for $2.2 million, with both parties acknowledging the importance of addressing the issues raised by the plaintiffs.
James later spoke about the situation on SiriusXM’s “The Jess Cagle Podcast,” admitting to having engaged in consensual relationships with students but acknowledging that it was inappropriate. He stated, “Over the course of my teaching, I did sleep with students, and that was wrong,” while also discussing his struggles with addiction and the recovery process he has undergone since those events.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, James Franco’s appearance at his brother’s birthday celebration was a reminder of the familial bonds that remain strong amid personal challenges. The Franco brothers have always shared a close relationship, and this gathering was a testament to their support for one another during both good times and bad.
As fans of Hollywood continue to watch the evolving narratives of their favorite stars, the Franco brothers’ journey—both individually and as siblings—offers a glimpse into the complexities of fame, family, and personal growth. The public remains curious about what lies ahead for James, especially as he navigates his way back into the spotlight.
In the meantime, Dave Franco, who has made a name for himself in Hollywood with films like “Now You See Me” and “The Disaster Artist,” continues to thrive in his career. His milestone birthday marks not only a celebration of his life but also a moment of reflection on the journey he’s taken alongside his brother.
As the Franco brothers celebrate this special occasion, fans can only hope to see more of them together in the future, both on and off-screen. Whether through family events or potential collaborations, the bond between James and Dave remains a cherished aspect of their lives, one that resonates with audiences who have followed their careers closely.
In conclusion, the Franco family’s gathering in Italy serves as a reminder of the importance of family support, especially in the face of adversity. As they celebrate milestones and navigate the complexities of fame, the bond between James and Dave Franco continues to be a source of inspiration for fans and fellow artists alike.