‘Palo Alto’: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Palo Alto has been getting some free publicity as of late. The author of the book the movie is based on, actor James Franco, confessed to trying to woo an underage fan.

Coincidentally, in the movie, which hits theaters on May 9, his character embarks on the same mission.

Here’s all you need to know about the coming-of-age story, which blurs the line between reality and fantasy.

1. It’s Based on Franco’s Short Stories

The actor turned writer published the book in 2010, which is a collection of short stories.

In an interview with Los Angeles magazine, he gave this synopsis of his writing debut:

2. Franco’s Character Seduces a High Schooler

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In the tale, set in a high school, Franco plays a soccer coach who gets flirty with a student on his team.

Emma Roberts, Julia’s 23-year-old niece, plays the innocent girl.

3. Real-Life Franco Traded Pictures With a Teenager — to Promote the Film?

When news came out that Franco was trying to hook up with a 17-year-old fan who waited for him outside his Of Mice and Men stage door, the media became suspicious of his intentions.

Curiously, the scandal broke on April 1, the same day he released a new trailer for the film. Many speculated that his supposed indiscretion was really a publicity stunt.

4. It’s Gia Coppola’s Directorial Debut

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Francis’ granddaughter is attached to the project.

She was committed to the project, telling Variety, “The hardest thing on ‘Palo Alto’ was letting go because I kept working on it, trying to make it better. I’ve been so immersed in it.”

The 27-year-old began working on the film two years after reading the book. She connected to the stories, saying, “I had just finished college and the book really resonated with me.”

Being a part of Hollywood royalty only helped her in the process.

She admitted: