Showbiz

James Franco pulls out of Broadway show 'Sweet Bird of Youth'

Published Wednesday, Aug 31 2011, 06:55 BST | By Kate Goodacre | Add comment

James Franco has pulled out of a Broadway play.

The Rise of the Planet of the Apes actor was due to make his Broadway debut this fall as drifter Chance Wayne in a production of Tennessee Williams's 1959 play Sweet Bird of Youth.

Franco's publicist Robin Baum confirmed the news on Tuesday night. The AP reports that Nicole Kidman is still attached to play the lead role of Princess Kosmonopolis, with David Cromer directing.

The actor has recently rejoined General Hospital in the role of artist and serial killer Robert Frank, saying that his return is "part of a bigger plan" to make a behind-the-scenes documentary about his time on the soap.

It is thought that Franco's return is a long-term commitment and his alter ago could be seen on screen into next year. The actor first appeared on General Hospital in 2009.

The 33-year-old star's other current projects include Oz: The Great and Powerful, which is currently filming. He also teaches and studies at Yale and is thought to have at least four movies in post-production.

Watch James Franco in a trailer for Rise of the Planet of the Apes below: