The question of "Who is Dave Franco's brother?" is more complex than a simple name, as the actor is one of three highly creative and successful siblings. As of late 2025, the dynamic between the Franco brothers—Dave, James, and Tom—is at a fascinating crossroad, with the youngest, Dave, solidifying his career as a director and actor, while the eldest, James, is quietly plotting a return to the mainstream spotlight after a multi-year hiatus. This article explores the unique paths of all three Franco siblings, their shared projects, and the latest updates on their individual careers, including James Franco's newest film projects slated for distribution in late 2025. The Franco family unit, rooted in Palo Alto, California, is a true artistic powerhouse, with all three sons pursuing creative endeavors that range from major Hollywood films to independent art collectives. While Dave and James are the most recognized names in cinema, their middle brother, Tom, has carved out an equally impactful, albeit different, career in the world of fine art. The latest news confirms that after a period of professional quiet, James Franco is actively working on new film projects, setting the stage for a major career shift in the coming year.

The Complete Franco Brothers Biography and Profiles

The Franco brothers were raised in a highly intellectual and artistic environment in California, which laid the foundation for their diverse creative careers. Their family history is a blend of Portuguese, Swedish, and Jewish heritage, with their parents playing a significant role in fostering their artistic pursuits.

• Mother: Betsy Lou Franco (née Verne) — A writer, poet, editor, and occasional actress. She is known for her work with young adult fiction and has even appeared in some of her sons' projects.
• Father: Douglas Eugene "Doug" Franco (deceased) — A Silicon Valley business executive and entrepreneur. His passing in 2011 was a formative event for the brothers.

1. James Franco (The Eldest Brother)

• Full Name: James Edward Franco
• Date of Birth: April 19, 1978
• Age: 47 (as of late 2025)
• Primary Professions: Actor, Filmmaker, Writer, Artist, Academic
• Career Highlights: Starred in *Spider-Man* trilogy, *Pineapple Express*, *127 Hours* (Academy Award Nomination), *Spring Breakers*, and *The Disaster Artist* (Golden Globe Win).
• Latest Updates: After a self-imposed hiatus following legal settlements, James Franco is making a professional comeback. His film *Hey Joe*, which premiered at the 2024 Rome Film Festival, is set for North American distribution in late 2025. He was also filming an untitled comedy in March 2025 and continues to exhibit his paintings, including a new art show in Zurich.

2. Tom Franco (The Middle Brother)

• Full Name: Thomas Andrew Franco
• Date of Birth: April 14, 1980
• Age: 45 (as of late 2025)
• Primary Professions: Artist, Sculptor, Actor
• Career Highlights: Founder of the Firehouse Art Collective in Berkeley, California, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local artists and providing community art space. He has also appeared in films like *Basket Case 2*.
• Latest Updates: Tom remains dedicated to his art practice, focusing on sculpture and painting that often blends found objects and mixed media. His work is regularly featured in art galleries and shows.

3. Dave Franco (The Youngest Brother)

• Full Name: David John Franco
• Date of Birth: June 12, 1985
• Age: 40 (as of late 2025)
• Primary Professions: Actor, Director, Producer, Screenwriter
• Career Highlights: Known for roles in *21 Jump Street*, *Neighbors*, *Now You See Me*, and directing the horror film *The Rental* and the romantic comedy *Somebody I Used to Know* (starring his wife, Alison Brie).
• Latest Updates: Dave has successfully transitioned into a respected filmmaker. His directorial projects, often co-written with his wife, Alison Brie, have been well-received, cementing his status as a creative force in his own right, separate from his older brother's shadow.

The Franco Brother Dynamic: Navigating the "Nepo-Sibling" Status

The relationship between Dave and James Franco has always been a point of public fascination, especially given their seven-year age gap and James's early breakout success. Dave has frequently addressed the challenges of being the younger brother of a major Hollywood star, a dynamic that has recently been dubbed the "nepo-sibling" status. Dave has been clear that while James did provide an initial "foot in the door," his subsequent career was built on his own merit and hard work. In recent interviews, Dave asserted that he would not have made it in Hollywood if he "sucked," regardless of his family connections. This sentiment reflects a conscious effort by Dave to establish his own identity, choosing different types of roles and, more recently, moving behind the camera as a director. The brothers’ professional paths have largely diverged, but they have collaborated on a few notable projects. The most famous collaboration is the 2017 film *The Disaster Artist*, where James directed and starred as Tommy Wiseau, and Dave played Wiseau's co-star, Greg Sestero. This project was a critical success, earning James a Golden Globe for Best Actor. It remains a benchmark of their combined talent and a rare instance of working together after Dave initially turned down multiple offers from his older brother to co-star.

Dave and James Franco's Diverging Career Trajectories

The most striking difference between the two most famous Franco brothers lies in their current professional focus. As of late 2025, Dave Franco is actively building a reputation as a successful director and producer, while James Franco is attempting a measured return to acting after a significant professional pause.

Dave Franco: The Filmmaker and Indie Star

Dave's career is marked by a steady progression from comedic supporting roles in blockbusters like *Neighbors* and *21 Jump Street* to leading roles and, most recently, filmmaking. His transition to directing began with the 2020 horror-thriller *The Rental*, a successful indie film that he co-wrote and directed. He followed this up by directing his wife, Alison Brie, in the 2023 romantic comedy *Somebody I Used to Know*. This shift demonstrates a clear intention to control his own narrative and creative output, moving away from being solely an actor and further distinguishing himself from his older brother.

James Franco: The Artist and Measured Comeback

James Franco's career was once defined by his prolific output as an actor, director, and academic, often juggling multiple projects simultaneously, from the *Spider-Man* franchise to independent art films. However, his professional output in Hollywood slowed dramatically after 2019. The latest updates show a strategic rebuilding of his career. His new projects, such as the film *Hey Joe* and the untitled comedy, are largely international or independent ventures, suggesting a cautious re-entry into the film world. Furthermore, James has leaned heavily into his parallel career as a fine artist, exhibiting his paintings and sculptures in galleries across Europe, including a recent show in Zurich. This multi-faceted approach—balancing a quiet film return with an active art practice—marks a new chapter for the eldest Franco sibling.

The Third Franco: Tom Franco and the Firehouse Art Collective

While the media often focuses on the two Hollywood actors, the story of the Franco brothers is incomplete without acknowledging Tom Franco. As the middle brother, Tom chose a path that, while still creative, is rooted in community and visual art rather than mainstream cinema. Tom is the founder and director of the Firehouse Art Collective in Berkeley, California. This non-profit organization is a vital hub for the local arts community, providing studio space, exhibition opportunities, and a collaborative environment for artists. His work is primarily as a sculptor and painter, often characterized by a playful, expressive, and slightly surreal style. The existence of all three brothers—an indie filmmaker, a returning Hollywood star/artist, and a community art leader—underscores the deep artistic DNA of the Franco family. They represent three distinct approaches to a creative life, proving that the Franco name is synonymous with more than just acting. The latest professional developments show that while their paths may be different, all three siblings continue to pursue their artistic passions with renewed vigor in late 2025.