James Franco: Busy 127 hours a day

JAMES FRANCO

“The Iceman” (2011)

Franco cometh, along with Benicio Del Toro and Michael Shannon, in this film based on a true story of a hitman who leads a double life as a family man.

“Lovelace” (2012)

At press time, Franco was in discussions to play the porno man who captured Linda Lovelace on camera, reuniting him with “Howl” directors Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman.

“General Hospital” (2009-present)

Franco’s had a killer role as, well, Franco on the sudser; he claims he’s studying up for his upcoming “Maladies” with Catherine Keener — but show insiders hint there’s more to his appearance than meets the eye.

“Date Night” (2010) / “Eat Pray Love” (2010) / “The Green Hornet” (2011)

Three throwaway roles (Hornet’s is so passing that Franco doesn’t even get credit), three chances to go hog wild — but three films that ranged from stinker to “meh.”

“Howl” (2010)

Franco hit the right beats as a youthful Allen Ginsberg — but the picture earned barely $1 million at the box office. Blame the Man!

“Sweet Bird of Youth” (2011)

Franco announced his interest in starring with Nicole Kidman in “Sweet Bird of Youth” on Broadway in the fall. In the show, to be produced by Scott Rudin, Franco would play gigolo to Kidman’s aging movie star.

Master class: Editing James Franco … with James Franco (2011)

The Oscar nominee plans to co-teach — by Skype and in person— a documentary course at the Columbia College Hollywood film school by having students use footage from his movie career to create a documentary about him.

Et cetera (ongoing)

Published “Palo Alto: Stories by James Franco” (2010); will reportedly release an album/videos in 2011 as half of performance-art duo Kalup and Franco; unveiled a multimedia installation called “Three’s Company: The Drama” at Sundance; made a “127 Hours”-related Funny or Die video with his grandmother — all while working in several university graduate programs. Clearly, this is a man with 127 hours in every day.

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