The Gator Nation will be getting its own version of “The Interview.”
James Franco will be coming to campus for a moderated conversation with UF journalism professor Mike Foley. The event will begin at 8 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center and is hosted by Accent Speaker’s Bureau.
Franco is an actor, writer, director and producer known for “Pineapple Express” and “The Interview.” He recently debuted on Broadway in “Of Mice and Men” and teaches courses at University of California, Los Angeles, University of Southern California and California Institute of the Arts, according to an Accent press release.
Accent chairman Corey Flayman said Franco has a unique background to share with students.
“He’s very multifaceted,” Flayman said. “He has experience not only acting but writing, directing.”
Franco is being paid $85,000 for the appearance, Flayman said.
Amalie Batchelder, a UF journalism freshman, has been a Franco fan since she watched “Howl” at age 14.
“I think he’s done a good job of being involved in really creative and interesting projects,” Batchelder, 18, said.
She said she has seen all of Franco’s movies and TV shows and hopes he will talk about how he prepared to play poet Allen Ginsberg in “Howl.”
Seating for the event, which is free and open to the public, is first come, first served. Doors will open at 7 p.m.
Love what @UF just featured on their Snapchat! Add them (and us) at "uf1853" and "accentspeakers". pic.twitter.com/jD5ZY6NgYo
— ACCENT Speakers (@accentspeakers) February 15, 2015
[A version of this story ran on page 1 on 2/16/2015 under the headline “James Franco’s next Interview is coming to UF"]
