Seth Rogen and James Franco spent nearly two decades as one of comedy’s most reliable double acts, going from cult TV beginnings on Freaks and Geeks to big-screen hits like Knocked Up, Pineapple Express, This Is the End, and The Interview. Their on-screen chemistry and shared sensibility made them feel inseparable.

 That image fractured after the s***** misconduct allegations against Franco in 2018, and now, years later. Rogen is making it clear that the professional split is not just a pause but a permanent line in the sa

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Seth Rogen set aside his long discussed partnership with James Franco all the while not really touching on the subject. 

"Nothing has changed since the last time I talked about all this, and I haven’t worked with him in a really long time and I have no plans to," he told The New York Times.

 That echoes comments he made back in 2021, when he said he regretted earlier suggesting he could collaborate with Franco again. At this point, the “no plans” line reads less like a temporary cooling‑off period and more like a closed door. When asked directly if they are still in contact, Rogen was equally blunt.

Rogen's simple answer to The New York Times underlines how thoroughly the partnership has ended, both professionally and personally. Franco, for his part, has previously said he still loves Rogen and that their 20‑year run “is over,” acknowledging that attempts to reconnect have not changed things. For fans who grew up on their work together, it is the clearest sign yet that the era of Rogen and Franco is over and not coming back.

Seth Rogen Drops Crumbs for 'The Studio' Season 2 Following Immense Success of First Season

While that chapter is firmly shut, Rogen’s focus has shifted entirely to expanding his own creative universe with The Studio Season 2.

Season 1 of The Studio turned Seth Rogen’s Hollywood satire into a major critical success. The show’s sharp take on awards campaigns and studio politics resonated widely, helping it become one of Apple TV’s standout series. Its blend of chaos and industry insight quickly made Continental Studios a fan favorite setting.

Season 2 will continue to follow Seth Rogen's Matt Remick and his team as they navigate increasingly absurd challenges. Storylines are expected to build on projects introduced earlier, while weaving in new industry crises and awards season pressures. Rogen has hinted that real-world moments from the 2026 awards circuit have influenced the writing.

The main cast is set to return, including Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Hahn, Chase Sui Wonders, and Bryan Cranston. One unresolved question is how the show will address the absence of Catherine O’Hara’s character, following her passing during production.  Production began in early 2026, suggesting a similar timeline to the first season. If that pattern holds, the next installment could arrive in 2027. 

Why 'The Studio’s' Record-Breaking First Season Changed Television’s Playbook

What are you more curious about: Seth Rogen’s firm stance on his past partnership or what lies ahead in The Studio Season 2? Let us know in the comments.