Dave Franco on Smoking With Bryan Cranston in ‘The Studio’ Finale
The Season 1 finale of “The Studio” on Apple TV+ left fans on the edge of their seats, with guest star Dave Franco making a memorable appearance in a last-minute scene that involved a “Now You See Me” tie-in. Months after filming his final scenes, Franco received a call from Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg with an idea to recap Episode 9 in a unique and hilarious way.
In the finale, Franco’s character, along with Zoë Kravitz, brings a chaotic energy to the show, much to the dismay of the Continental Studio executives. Franco, who joined the ensemble cast towards the end of the shoot, brought a fresh energy to the set, infusing his scenes with a sense of fun and spontaneity.
Having worked with Rogen and Goldberg on previous projects, Franco appreciates their collaborative approach to filmmaking, where the best idea wins regardless of where it comes from. This ethos has influenced Franco in his own directorial efforts, encouraging a team-based mentality on set.
Throughout the intense and physically demanding final episodes, Franco embraced the over-the-top physical comedy of his character, bringing a sense of extreme positivity and optimism to each scene. His dynamic with Kravitz, who played the exact opposite of his energy, added a comedic contrast to the show.
One standout moment for Franco was getting high alongside Bryan Cranston and witnessing the veteran actor fully embrace his silliness. The chaotic CinemaCon sequence, filmed in front of a live audience, presented a unique challenge for Franco as he had to switch between delirious and confident personas seamlessly.
Putting on the bloody suit for a pivotal scene was a fun experience for Franco, as he leaned into the absurdity of the moment while maintaining his character’s unwavering optimism. Reflecting on the show’s themes of artistry versus commerce, Franco shared his personal approach to creating projects that push boundaries and resonate with audiences.
As “The Studio” nears its conclusion, Franco hopes that viewers will be reminded of the passion and love for movies that drive so many in the industry. For him, the journey from a 14-year-old movie enthusiast to a multi-hyphenate artist has been a rewarding one, and he looks forward to continuing to explore different facets of the film industry.
With projects like “Together” with his wife Alison Brie on the horizon, Franco remains committed to pushing boundaries and creating meaningful work that resonates with audiences. As the show wraps up, Franco’s unique perspective and collaborative spirit will continue to inspire those in the industry to pursue their creative visions with passion and dedication.
