James Franco has been in a relationship with actress and filmmaker Isabel Pakzad since 2017, with the couple maintaining a relatively private romance despite their careers in Hollywood. Their relationship attracted renewed attention after they appeared together at several international film events in 2024, including the Cannes Film Festival and the Biarritz Film Festival. Pakzad has also been developing her own career as a director, moving beyond acting to work on independent film projects.
Franco, known for films including 127 Hours, The Disaster Artist, and Why Him?, has rarely discussed his personal life publicly. However, he has previously credited Pakzad with supporting him through difficult periods. Their relationship has continued alongside her growing involvement in the entertainment industry.
Who Is James Franco’s Girlfriend, Isabel Pakzad?
Isabel Pakzad is an American actress, writer, and filmmaker who has worked in television, independent cinema, and film production. Although she initially attracted attention through her relationship with Franco, she has pursued her own creative ambitions.
Pakzad studied advertising and publicity at Pennsylvania State University before continuing her education at the University of Southern California.
She later began taking acting classes and exploring opportunities in Hollywood.
Her acting credits include the 2020 superhero film Birds of Prey and the television series The Deuce, in which Franco also appeared.
Over time, Pakzad became increasingly interested in directing and screenwriting, eventually developing projects based on her own experiences and creative ideas.
How Did James Franco and Isabel Pakzad Meet?
James Franco and Isabel Pakzad reportedly began dating in November 2017. However, the couple have not publicly shared many details about their first meeting.
Their relationship developed during a period when Franco was reconsidering his approach to dating and personal commitments.
During a 2021 appearance on SiriusXM’s The Jess Cagle Podcast, Franco acknowledged that he had struggled with faithfulness in previous relationships.
He explained that meeting Pakzad encouraged him to approach relationships differently.
Interestingly, Franco initially preferred not to date another actress. Pakzad was not working professionally as an actress when they met, although she later began pursuing acting opportunities.
Their shared interest in filmmaking eventually became an important connection between them.
What Does Isabel Pakzad Do for a Living?
Isabel Pakzad works as an actress, screenwriter, and director.
She made her directorial debut with the short thriller Don’t Worry, It’s Gonna Be OK, which received recognition at the L.A. Film Festival in 2022.
The project marked an important step in her transition from acting into filmmaking.
In April 2024, Pakzad announced her feature directorial project, Find Your Friends.
The thriller follows a group of friends whose trip to Joshua Tree takes a disturbing turn after they encounter hostility from local residents.
Actress Bella Thorne was announced as part of the cast.
Pakzad wrote and directed the project, describing it as a deeply personal creative achievement that required several years of development.
Her work demonstrates her ambition to establish a career behind the camera rather than remain known primarily as Franco’s girlfriend.
How Did Isabel Pakzad Support James Franco?
Pakzad and Franco’s relationship faced considerable public scrutiny shortly after they began dating.
In January 2018, several women accused Franco of sexually inappropriate behavior. His attorney denied the allegations at the time.
In 2019, two former acting students filed a lawsuit against the actor. Franco subsequently reached a settlement in 2021, agreeing to pay approximately $2.235 million.
The controversy significantly affected his Hollywood career and public reputation.
During his 2021 podcast interview, Franco discussed his personal struggles and acknowledged the impact the allegations had on Pakzad.
He also spoke about his recovery from addiction-related problems and efforts to change his behavior.
Franco described Pakzad as an important source of support during that period.
Although she has generally avoided publicly discussing the controversy, the couple continued their relationship.
When Did James Franco and Isabel Pakzad Make Their Relationship Public?
James Franco and Isabel Pakzad made their first widely reported public appearance as a couple in July 2018.
They attended the Broadway opening of Straight White Men in New York City, walking the red carpet together.
The appearance attracted attention because Franco had largely withdrawn from public events following the allegations earlier that year.
The couple subsequently attended several entertainment and fashion events.
In May 2024, they appeared together at the Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of Kinds of Kindness.
They also attended the Biarritz Film Festival in France during the summer.
Their appearances demonstrated that they remained together while continuing to maintain privacy around their relationship.
Does Isabel Pakzad Share Her Relationship on Social Media?
Isabel Pakzad is active on social media, where she shares photographs from her travels, professional projects, and personal experiences.
However, she rarely posts detailed updates about her relationship with Franco.
The actor previously deleted his Instagram account and has discussed his discomfort with the pressures of social media.
Occasional glimpses of their relationship have instead appeared through Franco’s mother, Betsy Franco.
In 2024, she shared family photographs featuring the couple during celebrations and international trips.
Pakzad and Franco also attended a family wedding in Croatia alongside Franco’s brother Dave Franco and his wife, Alison Brie.
These occasional appearances offer a limited look into their otherwise private relationship.
What Are Isabel Pakzad’s Interests Outside Acting?
Beyond filmmaking, Isabel Pakzad enjoys traveling and exploring different cultures.
She has shared photographs from destinations including Greece, Italy, France, and the Netherlands.
Her travels frequently include visits to historic locations, coastal destinations, and fashion events.
Pakzad and Franco have also been photographed participating in outdoor activities, including hiking and surfing.
Her interest in travel appears alongside her creative work, with different locations providing opportunities for photography and artistic inspiration.
Are James Franco and Isabel Pakzad Still Together?
James Franco and Isabel Pakzad have maintained a long-term relationship since 2017. Their public appearances in 2024 confirmed that they were still together at that time.
Neither has publicly announced a marriage, and there is no verified information confirming an engagement.
Although Franco remains the more recognizable public figure, Pakzad has continued building an independent career through acting, writing, and directing.
Their relationship has lasted through professional changes, public controversy, and personal challenges. While they continue to keep many details private, Pakzad’s growing filmmaking career has made her an increasingly recognizable figure in the entertainment industry.