Well, this is interesting. ABC’s General Hospital, a long running soap, is going to have James Franco in a guest role that is said to be “lengthy”, which could mean any number of things. It is definitely going to be interesting, since to my knowledge, it hasn’t really happened that a Best Actor Golden Globe nominated film actor goes on a soap opera half a year later. He’s surely not struggling to find work, as he is one of the more sought out actors of his type around right now. That said, he’s never really been one to care what people thought or what was best for his career. He’s very much one who lives his own life and acts secondly, and in the end, does what he wants to do. He wants to do General Hospital, so he’s doing it.

The ABC Press Release:
James Franco – star of all three Spider Man films, as well as blockbusters like Milk – is joining the cast of General Hospital.

“We are thrilled to announce that James Franco will play an integral part in a lengthy run on General Hospital this fall. It’s an honor that an actor of James’ caliber would choose to spend some of his valuable time in Port Charles,” said Jill Farren Phelps, GH’s executive producer.

A lot of you liked Pineapple Express, I was pretty lukewarm on it, but it goes without saying that David Gordon Green is one awesome and far under appreciated filmmaker. All the Real Girls, George Washington, Undertow, and Snow Angels are all four really great films, but went very underseen and made next to no money. All that considered, I can’t say I’m pleased with the existence of Your Highness, his next film for Universal, starring Danny McBride as an arrogant prince who must save his father’s kingdom. James Franco is attached to play his heroic brother and Zooey Deschanel to play his virginal wife.

Of course, we don’t know more than just premise, but it sounds…lazy. I’m sure I’ll like it, but if this is the path that’s being taken, well, I’m going to look fondly on his early canon, I think.