James Franco-Starrer ‘Hey Joe’ Acquired for U.S. Release by Glass House Distribution

“Hey Joe,” an Italian drama in which James Franco plays a U.S. Navy sailor stationed in post-World War II Naples, has been picked up by Glass House Distribution which is planning a North American release via both theatrical and digital platforms.

The gritty film, directed by Claudio Giovannesi (“Gomorrah” TV series, “Piranhas”), was sold to Glass House by Italy’s Vision Distribution during the Marché du Film in Cannes.

Franco, who has been struggling to fully reenter Hollywood after facing sexual misconduct allegations that he discussed with Variety when “Hey Joe” premiered in Italy, recently attended the amfAR Cannes gala and donated a painting to the auction.

In “Hey Joe,” Franco plays Dean Barry, an American sailor who in 1944, at age 23, disembarks in war-torn Naples. He falls in love with a young, very poor, local woman named Lucia. A couple of years later, Dean is forced to leave Lucia, alone and pregnant, to go back to New Jersey. He eventually returns to Naples to find the woman and her son, Enzo — but the city has changed a lot and Dean must navigate these challenges leading up to a surprise finale. Franco speaks both English and Italian in the film.

“We were captivated by ‘Hey Joe’ from the first screening,” said Tom Malloy, president of Glass House Distribution in a statement. “It’s a rare blend of American and Italian storytelling, grounded by an emotionally resonant performance from James Franco. We believe this film will resonate strongly with audiences and critics alike during awards season,” he added.

The statement noted that Glass House plans to release “Hey Joe” in late 2025 “during the heart of awards season” targeting both theatrical and digital platforms.

“Hey Joe” is produced by Italy’s Palomar in tandem with RAI Cinema and Vision Distribution which released the film in Italy to meager box office results following its Rome Film Festival launch last year.

Screen International was first to report this news