Will someone please explain to me why James Franco has signed on as a guest star on ABC’s “General Hospital” ? And not just for a one-time playing himself role, his character will have a lengthy story arc this fall.

The “Pineapple Express” and “Spider-Man” actor will play a mystery person who comes to the soap opera’s town of Port Charles. The recurring role will begin Nov. 20 – to coincide with November sweeps – and will last about two months.

Executive producer Jill Farren Phelps says it’s “an honor that an actor of Franco’s caliber would choose to spend some of his valuable time in Port Charles.”

I’m so confused..I thought soaps were the bottom of the acting barrel. It usually  goes, decide you want to be an actor, wait tables for several years, model, soaps, sitcom/drama, films then rehab.

james franco general hospit