James Franco Gets Soapy

Unfortunately, there ain't much that can save a soap opera right now. It can't have nine lives like Erica Kane. Something that never seemed like an option was stunt-casting of an A-lister. I mean, why would someone like — I don't know — Jennifer Aniston stop by Days of Our Lives and immerse herself into an epic storyline like the possession of Marlena. Not in 2009, at least, but many of today's most famous began their careers on soaps. True story.

If you are a real fan of the schmaltzy daytime mainstays then you'll know that the situation is dire for the remaining serials that haven't been canceled due to the state of the economy. This year we said goodbye to Guiding Light, which launched the careers of Kevin Bacon, Calista Flockhart, Hayden Panettiere and Christopher Walken. But soaps are missing something. They need reinvigoration, new blood, and James Franco just may be the guy to save them, as he is set to guest star on General Hospital.

It would almost be egomaniacal if the precedent had not already been set with his foray into so many varied roles; meaty and otherwise. He's played an always-high pot dealer in Pineapple Express, the lover of Harvey Milk in Milk, the villain Harry Osborn in the Spider-Man trilogy, and James Dean. Handsome, dark and dapper, you'd think he jumped from Port Charles onto the big screen but it's the opposite that's got everyone snickering. But only the most media and art savvy are calling it "genius."

Well, it is!

Most actors are so caught up in image, they'd never extend themselves to something that has a limited viewing audience outside of their target demo. The gap between soap fans and everything-else fans is a wide judgmental crevasse and he may be the Moses betwixt the two. Listen, ER could barely get George Clooney to appear on the series finale and most of his movies open wide and do very little business. Don't be so quick to thumb your nose because I can guarantee this will not be the first time you see the actor doing something unexpected. I think that's his whole mystery and now I'm an even bigger fan.

Photo courtesy of Chrissa Hickey, via Wikimedia Commons