James Franco can be something of a marmite talent, with some finding his work alongside Seth Rogen hilarious and his directorial efforts worthy. Others think he's a pretentious, smug git, so it remains to be seen which side wins out and the reactions to the news that he's joining Fox's branch of the Marvel movie universe for Multiple Man.
If all the deals lock into place, Franco would play the lead. Created by Len Wein and Chris Claremont, with art by John Buscema for a Fantastic Four comic in 1975, Jamie Madrox, who gained the power to instantaneously clone himself at birth. Hidden away by his father, with his powers controlled via a suit designed by no lesser X-Men character than Professor Xavier, he's able to live quietly until the gadget malfunctions and he goes crazy. In his time, he's had both run-ins and team-ups with the mutants and the Four.
What part of his comicbook backstory will actually filter into the eventual movie is anyone's guess, especially with Franco helping to guide the project. Allan Heinberg, who wrote Wonder Woman, is on board to work on the script.
This has all come about thanks to Franco working with primary X-writer/producer (and now director of Dark Phoenix) Simon Kinberg, as they've been developing a take on long-gestating comedy project The Hardy Men, which may now star Franco and younger brother Dave as grown versions of classic kids' book characters The Hardy Boys. It sounds like Multiple Man will be able to go off and do its own thing a la Deadpool, with only a side connection to the main X-Men universe, and represents Fox looking for more interesting diversions for the franchise.
Franco will next be seen in The Disaster Artist, which he also directs, and is out in the UK on 6 December.