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The Deuce season 2: James Franco set to return despite sexual misconduct allegations

Franco stars in the David Simon's HBO series as twin brothers

Jacob Stolworthy
Tuesday 13 February 2018 11:35 GMT
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(HBO)

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James Franco is set to return to HBO series The Deuce despite facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.

The actor's appearance was confirmed by writer Megan Abbott who is said to have told reporters he will “of course” be returning at the Writers Guild Awards ceremony in New York City on Sunday (11 February).

The actor was accused of sexual misconduct by five women in an article published by the Los Angeles Times mere days after being criticised for wearing a Timesup pin at the Golden Globes where he won Best Actor - Comedy or musical for his role as Tommy Wiseau in The Disaster Artist.

Franco stars in the series, from The Wire creator David Simon, as twin brothers Vincent and Frankie Martino and even directed three episodes.

Addressing the allegations, showrunner Simon released a statement saying: “We have no complainant or complaint or any awareness of any incident of concern involving Mr. Franco. In our experience, [Franco] was entirely professional as an actor, director and producer [sic].”

The Deuce - co-starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, Chris Bauer and Dominique Fishback - charts the legalisation and ensuing rise of the porn industry in New York beginning in the 1970s.

The series is just one of HBO's several returning shows alongside Game of Thrones, Big Little Lies, True Detective and Westworld.

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