James Franco posts alien footage, viewers call stunt

Actor James Franco has ignited widespread speculation and skepticism online after releasing grainy security footage he claims shows an alien visitor at his California home, capping off a month-long series of cryptic social media posts. The video, posted to his TikTok account on July 13, 2026, depicts a black-and-white, humanoid figure with unusual features moving near trees, a garage, and windows on his property.

Franco, 48, returned to social media in early June after a prolonged absence, launching a new TikTok account under the username JamesFranco2319. In a series of videos, he insisted he was not using artificial intelligence and was not promoting a project, instead claiming that "something" unusual had occurred at his home. He repeatedly stated that unnamed forces were trying to silence him and had attempted to hack his account. In a video on June 25, he promised to share evidence on July 13, declaring, "I'm not acting crazy. I saw something."

The footage released on Monday has been met with overwhelming disbelief from viewers. Many social media users dismissed the clip as an obvious stunt, suggesting the figure is a person in a costume. Comments on the video ranged from...