James Franco: His many roles

James Franco, right, first got on our radar on the two-seasons-long, beloved TV show "Freaks and Geeks," which was created by Paul Feig and produced by Judd Apatow.

James Franco portrays gay rights activist Scott Smith in 2008's "Milk."

James Franco, left, and Seth Rogen in the 2008 stoner comedy "Pineapple Express."

James Franco plays Julia Roberts' less-than-focused boyfriend in the 2010 film "Eat Pray Love."

James Franco portrays rock climber Aron Ralton in 2010's "127 Hours."

James Franco stars as author Allen Ginsberg in 2010's "Howl."

Freida Pinto and James Franco in 2011's "Rise of the Planet of the Apes."

James Franco, right, appeared on dozens of episodes of the daytime soap "General Hospital" as a character named Franco.

James Franco, left, and director Sam Raimi on the set of the 2013 film "Oz the Great and Powerful."

A bunch of friends -- including buddies played by, from left, James Franco, Seth Rogen and Jay Baruchel -- face the end of the world in 2013's "This is the End."

James Franco plays Hugh Hefner, opposite Amanda Seyfried as Linda Lovelace, in 2013's "Lovelace."

James Franco plays soccer coach Mr. B opposite Emma Roberts as April in "Palo Alto" (2013).

"The Interview"

In "The Interview," James Franco and Seth Rogen play American journalists who are ordered to kill Kim Jong Un. In July 2014, the North Korean ambassador declared the release of this comedy should be considered "an act of war." In theaters Christmas Day.?