James Franco is set to portray Fidel Castro in a film directed by Spanish filmmaker Miguel Bardem. The project will examine the life of Alina Fernández, Castro’s daughter who has publicly supported the approval of her father.
The casting was reported by industry trade publications in Hollywood on Thursday, marking a return to the silver screen for Franco after a period marked by controversy tied to misconduct allegations that led some studios to pause or cancel projects.
Produced independently, the project is titled Alina of Cuba and stars Ana Villafañe as Alina Fernández and Mia Maestro as Natalia Revuelta, Alina’s mother. The narrative follows Alina’s youth as Castro’s illegitimate daughter and her eventual exile from Cuba, where she would emerge as a prominent critic of the regime.
According to Variety, Fernández herself influenced Franco’s casting, selecting him to portray her father. The decision has sparked debate given Franco’s history and the broader industry conversation about accountability and casting decisions in the wake of the MeToo movement.
Franco faces a longstanding reputation issue as several women have made allegations of sexual misconduct against him since 2018, including a notable civil case involving students from acting programs alleging inappropriate conduct and the recording of rehearsals. The claims have drawn attention to industry standards, consent on set, and the responsibilities of producers and directors when shaping biographical or biopic material.
In the spotlight as well is the legal outcome tied to these accusations, including a settlement reached with victims that involved compensation distributed to those affected. The case has continued to influence discussions about ethics, responsibility, and the balance between artistic interpretation and survivor advocacy.
Beyond Bardem’s project, Franco is also slated to appear in a British director Billie August’s war drama titled Me, You, expanding his presence on international screens even as audiences and critics parse the implications of his involvement in new productions.