James Franco checks into 'General Hospital'

James Franco

Credit: Dan Steinberg/AP

It's hard to know exactly what to make of this news: Golden Globe winner James Franco has booked what is described as "a lengthy story arc" on the ABC soap opera "General Hospital" for this later this fall.

Information on the role is a bit nebulous. Franco will play a mysterious stranger who arrives in Port Charles. The character has "unfinished business" with Steve Burton's Jason Morgan and he'll be Jason's "worst nightmare."

His role will kick in on Nov. 20, toward the end of the November sweeps period, and it will last two months. As with many actors on daytime serials, Franco won't necessarily be on every "GH" episode during his run, as the storyline is interspersed throughout.

The "Spider-Man" and "Freaks & Geeks" co-star has always made eclectic career choices, so how did this role come about? Well, according to ABC sources, it was simple: Franco approached the network about doing a daytime TV arc during his next break between movies. As you might imagine, the "GH" head writers didn't hesitate to craft a character around Franco's availability.

Franco is coming off of a big 2009, which included a Golden Globe nominated turn in "Pineapple Express" and an Independent Spirt Award-winning supporting role in "Milk." 

Currently filming "Your Highness" in Ireland, Franco has "Howl" set for release next year.