Will James Franco Return To HBO’s ‘The Deuce’ After Sexual Misconduct Allegations?

It looks like James Franco will still return for Season 2 of HBO’s “The Deuce” despite being accused of sexual misconduct by five women.

Sources told Deadline that work on the sophomore run of the period drama continues as scheduled even after allegations of sexual misconduct against Franco surfaced. In fact, sources told the news outlet that scripts are currently being written featuring Franco’s twin characters Vincent Martino and Frankie Martino.

Although HBO released a statement on Wednesday saying that no complaints about Franco have come in on “The Deuce” production, sources told Variety that network executives are closely watching the response of the public to the allegations made against the Golden Globe winner. The news outlet noted that Franco’s future on the show likely depends on whether more victims come forward with allegations of work-related misconduct.

“The Deuce” co-creator David Simon also released a statement in the wake of the allegations against Franco, who also serves as executive producer and director on the series.

“I am still reading it the same as everyone else, trying to discern what is or isn’t there,” Simon said. “Personally, I can only speak knowledgeably to ‘The Deuce.’ I’ve checked with all my fellow producers and other personnel. We have no complainant or complaint or any awareness of any incident of concern involving Mr. Franco. In our experience, he was entirely professional as an actor, director and producer.”

On Tuesday, Franco said on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” that none of the claims made on Twitter were accurate and insisted that he supports both the Time’s Up movement and women speaking out. “If I’ve done something wrong, I will fix it. I have to. I don’t know what else to do,” he said at the time.

Franco reiterated those sentiments during his appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” on Wednesday. “There are stories that need to get out,” Franco told Meyers. “There are people that need to be heard. I have my own side of this story, but I believe in, you know, these people that have been underrepresented getting their stories out enough that I will hold back things that I could say just because I believe in it that much, and if I have to take a knock because I’m not going to try and actively refute things, then I will. Because I believe in it that much.”

“The Deuce” was renewed for a second season shortly after its premiere last September. HBO has yet to set a premiere date for the new season.