The Many Faces Of Franco

8 December 2013

James Franco is back on the big screen this week as he teams up with Jason Statham for Homefront.

To celebrate his return we take a trip down memory lane to explore the many faces of one of Hollywood's most versatile actors.

- The Popular Kid - Never Been Kissed

James first graced the silver screen in Never Been Kissed alongside Drew Barrymore and David Arquette. At just 19, James played Jason, part of the high school ‘It group’ who tormented misfits like undercover reporter Josie Geller (Barrymore).

He only has a few lines and was probably barely noticed at the time, but when you re-watch this classic rom-com you’ll see his cute young face pop up and realise that it’s baby Franco! Adorable.

- The Billionaire’s Son - The Spider-Man Trilogy

In Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, James plays Harry Osborn, Peter Parker’s best friend and the son of billionaire Norman Osborn.

After Norman is killed by Spiderman, Harry becomes hell-bent on avenging his death and keeping his legacy alive - even when that legacy is a villainous alter-ego.

James’ transformation over the course of the three movies is fascinating to watch, as he goes from an innocent high-schooler to the determined, vengeful New Goblin.

- The Stoner - Pineapple Express

Pineapple Express is a hilarious, legendary cult film, largely thanks to the stellar performances of Seth Rogan and James Franco.

James plays Saul, a pot-dealing stoner who gets caught up with a dangerous gang of drug dealers (with some entertaining consequences).

Despite his long hair and interesting choice of outfit we still find Saul oddly cute... he also comes out with some great quotes: 'It's almost a shame to smoke it. It's like killing a unicorn... with, like, a bomb'.

- The Adventurer - 127 Hours

James’ most challenging role to date was undoubtedly that of Aron Ralston, a real-life canyoneer who was trapped by a boulder in in the Blue John Canyon, in Utah in 2003.

James’ portrayal of Aron was captivating (it had to be, really, given that for much of the film it’s just James on the screen!)

This harrowing depiction of a reckless adventurer slowly realising his own imminent mortality saw James nominated for an Academy Award.

- The Gangster - Spring Breakers

Barely recognisable with his corn-rows and metal grills, James’ character Alien in Spring Breakers is hardly one to swoon over. Allegedly, Alien is based the character on real rapper Riff-Raff (videos of Riff-Raff show just how similar the two are).

It’s certainly hard to find James’ baby-faced Harry Osborn beneath those glasses.

- The Legend - Lovelace

Although James’ role in Lovelace is a minor one, he is fantastic as the young Hugh Hefner, oozing charm, sophistication and just a touch of sleaze. Sure, his choice of outfit is questionable, but when in the playboy house...

- The Selfie - This Is the End

This apocalyptic comedy sees actors such as Seth Rogan, Jonah Hill and James Franco playing fictitious, over-the-top versions of themselves.

Even though it’s not the real James, we kinda wish it was, if only for his hilarious comments: 'This place is like a piece of me... you two just stepped inside of me.'

- The Scientist - The Rise of the Planet of the Apes

While Rise of the Planet of the Apes is definitely Caesar’s film, James brings scientist Will Rodman sensitively and convincingly to life.

Desperate to help his sick father and do what is best for the extraordinary chimp Caesar, Will is a good guy stuck in a series of tricky situations.

- The Wizard - Oz The Great And Powerful

In this film James played Oscar ‘Oz’ Diggs - the man who came before the great Wizard of Oz.

Another iconic character, although this time of a fictitious nature, James is great as the womanizing, immoral magician forced to grow up and do right by his new people.