Actor James Franco has ignited a flurry of alien conspiracy theories following the release of a series of unusual TikTok videos. In these posts, Franco, 48, claims to have encountered a "non-human" creature with "glowing eyes" in his garage, describing it as neither human nor animal.
Franco's recent return to the spotlight comes after his Hollywood career was significantly impacted by Me Too allegations, which he has consistently denied. He made his TikTok debut earlier this month, sharing videos in which he appeared unshaven and wore a torn t-shirt while discussing his alleged sighting.
Fans have been scrutinizing the details of Franco's TikToks, seeking hidden meanings. One X user compiled observations, including the actor's username, @jamesfranco2319. This username has drawn comparisons to a code from the Pixar film Monster's, Inc., where "2319" signifies a monster coming into contact with something human. Franco himself has leaned into the extraterrestrial narrative, captioning one TikTok, "It’s an ALIEN!!!!"
Theories also surround Franco's t-shirt, on which he scrawled "BRUCE ROBINSON" and affixed two strips of yellow tape. Speculation suggests "Bruce Robinson" could be a person connected to the story, an anagram, a code, or part of a viral campaign.
During his TikTok posting period, Franco followed only two accounts: the official page for his upcoming movie Love Meets in the Sunshine and its director, Christian Guiton. Guiton, however, has dismissed rumors that Franco's videos are a marketing ploy for the film, stating it is not a science fiction or conspiracy movie and that this is not how they would promote it.
Franco has insisted he is not promoting anything but is issuing a warning to his fans about "some serious s**t is going on." He recounted going to his garage for night painting and hearing a noise before seeing "glowing eyes and hand," ruling out it being an animal.
Franco's foray into TikTok occurs as he makes a return to public events, having appeared at the Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of the French film The Electric Kiss. He is also promoting his upcoming action thriller Foster. Franco stated he is working on his first major studio film since The Disaster Artist, anticipating its release by the end of the year or spring/summer 2027.
Franco's career faced significant challenges following Me Too allegations in early 2018, where multiple women accused him of inappropriate sexual behavior. A lawsuit stemming from these allegations was eventually settled, though Franco consistently denied the claims. He has previously confessed to sleeping with students, calling it wrong but consensual, and has spoken about struggling with sex addiction alongside his sobriety from alcohol.