It’s been years since James Franco’s career took a drastic turn due to sexual misconduct allegations made against him in 2018. But now the 46-year-old actor looks back on the trials and tribulations of life with gratitude and a whole new perspective.

In a new interview with Variety, Franco – who stars in the upcoming Italian film “Hey Joe” – talked about the self-work he’s done since being accused of forcing his film students to perform explicit sex scenes on camera, and explained why attitudes toward work, life, and everything in between have changed for the better.

“I’m so grateful to be working,” said Franco, who plays an alcoholic American World War II veteran in the new film. “I went through a lawsuit, and during that lawsuit I didn’t work. But then COVID came, so not everyone worked. So, I don’t know, it was all… I mean, we were all kind of like, ‘I don’t know what I am.'”

James Franco’s acting school is accused of sexually exploiting two women

James Franco was first accused of sexual misconduct in 2018. (Getty Images)

“But I definitely used the time to, I hope, achieve a good goal,” he continued. “And whatever was going on with me before, I had to change my entire way of life. That’s why I’m proud of the kind of work I’ve done during this time. And yes, I haven’t worked in films, but I definitely have. I’ve worked a lot on changing myself.”

Franco, best known for his roles in “Pineapple Express,” “Spider-Man,” “127 Hours” and more, said that while he had a “good career” before his hiatus began, he found it difficult , enjoy it to the fullest.

“I was a workaholic; I was traveling all the time,” he said. “And even if there were good moments – like a movie that people liked or, I don’t know, was nominated for an award or whatever it was, whatever good moments along the way I wish I had them “I just didn’t do it because I had this strange feeling that I needed more and more.”

Franco said he was “grateful” to be turned down in Hollywood. (Getty Images)

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“Now, after taking a break and, I think, changing priorities, I think what I want to achieve in life is different,” he added. “At the end of the day, I think I’m kind of grateful because it gave me the chance to just do my personal work and really change what I need to change. Now that I’m working, I can just be there for the project. This is it.” It’s not about me trying to fill a void with work, it’s just about, “Wow, I have a really great life, I’m very grateful and I hope I can be of service to any project.”

Franco was first accused of sexually inappropriate behavior by five women in an article published by the Los Angeles Times in January 2018.

In 2019, a lawsuit alleged that Franco and his associates forced students to perform explicit sex scenes on camera.

The actor stars in the upcoming Italian film Hey Joe. (Getty Images)

Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal filed a class action lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging that Franco and his associates “engaged in widespread inappropriate and sexually charged behavior toward female students by sexualizing their power as a teacher and employer by giving them the opportunity.” “have gambled away on roles in their projects”.

They argued they were victims of a scam and paid $300 a month for an acting school Franco and his business partner Vince Jolivette opened in 2014, claiming they were intimidated and sexually objectified.

In June 2021, Franco settled the lawsuit and agreed to pay $2,235,000.

Since then, the actor said he has dedicated his time and energy to moving forward and becoming the best version of himself.

Franco admitted that it was “painful” to hear what people said about him. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

“There’s a great book called ‘The Second Mountain’ that I like. And basically it’s about the first mountain being all our dreams when we’re young and we try to achieve that,” he explained. “Some people stay on the first mountain their whole lives. But some get thrown off, and you could either try to get back up the first mountain, or you could go up the second mountain.”

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“And the second mountain is a more spiritually oriented life, a life that is more focused on service, thinking about the bigger picture and thinking about others,” Franco continued. “And from everything I’ve read, from all sorts of thinkers and writers and whatever, it seems to be the more fulfilling life. And as painful as it was, yes, of course rejection is painful when you say you are.” Bad is painful. But ultimately, it was exactly what I needed to just stop moving on the way I wanted to.

“And now I’ve made it a big priority in my life to just stay involved and give back,” he added. “Honestly, it’s a big part of what I did and it brought me a lot of relief.”

Franco and former friend and collaborator Seth Rogen. (Barry King/Getty Images)

Franco also spoke about his former friend and collaborator Seth Rogen, who publicly stated in 2021 that he had no plans to work with Franco. He also said at the time: “I abhor abuse and harassment and would never cover up or conceal the actions of anyone who does it or knowingly place anyone in a situation where they are in proximity to such a person.”

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When Franco was asked if he had communicated with Rogen, he said, “No. I haven’t spoken to Seth. I love Seth, we had 20 great years together but I think it’s over. And not because I didn’t try. I’ “I told him how much he meant to me.”