James Franco returns to 'General Hospital' as -- surprise -- Franco

 

James Franco is lurking around "General Hospital" yet again, reprising his creepy artist character Franco in a story arc that started Wednesday and apparently will put everyone in Port Charles "in peril" -- ABC's turn of phrase -- before it's over. 

Franco appeared in 23 episodes in 2009 and, according to an exec producer on the show, the "GH" gang had "a great time with him and are very excited that he decided to return to Port Charles to take care of unfinished business."

Other unfinished business, as far as Franco fans are concerned, includes the actor's star turn ...

... as Allan Ginsberg in "Howl," which premiered at Sundance in January but doesn't open in theaters until Sept. 24. SoCal folks do have an early opportunity to see their lad on something larger than a flat screen: The flick will open Outfest 2010 on July 8 in downtown L.A.

If you're not sure why you'd want to see James Franco on something larger than a flat screen, click here. It's a visual.

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Photo: This shot's from his 2009 turn on "General Hospital," but never fear, James Franco's creepy character, Franco, is back on the soap opera as of Wednesday -- for how long, nobody knows. Except for, you know, the show's producers. Credit: Ron Tam / ABC.

Related dispatches presented by the Ministry of Gossip:

James Franco and his 'General Hospital' performance art project

James Franco, avant-garde muse

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