Cast member James Franco poses during the premiere of the film "The Interview" in Los Angeles, California December 11, 2014.
Cast member James Franco poses during the premiere of the film "The Interview" in Los Angeles, California December 11, 2014. REUTERS/Kevork Djansezian

Is James Franco really dead? The 36-year-old actor recently became yet another victim of viral celebrity death hoax. The rumour spread on the internet via fabricated report, causing panic among the fans of "Spider-Man" actor.

On Dec 19, 2014, City World News reported that James Franco was "found dead early Friday morning in his Los Angeles home." The report claims that the police received a "frantic call" from "Freaks and Geeks" actor's long-time friend John Nance. The report gives an account of the actor's death stating he was discovered "tied to a chair" after being shot multiple times in his head and abdomen.

The report also contains quotes from a police officer from Los Angeles Police Department named Det Ryan Gastin. "This is obviously being treated as a homicide case, but we need the coroner to make a final ruling for the homicide to be official," the statement by Gastin read as quoted by the publication. "That's all the information we have at this time."

The website goes on to claim speculations about James Franco's fake death. It is reported that people are wondering if the actor's homicide has anything to do with "North Korean Sony hack which shut down the release of Franco's controversial film, 'The Interview.'"

However, Inquisitr confirms the news is false. As noted by aforementioned daily news publication, the website reporting the fake news features "other false reports." Also, it is reported that there is not Det. Ryan Gastin in LA Police Department.

Meanwhile, it must be noted that no credible site has reported the death or homicide of James Franco. The fake news came hard on the heels of the report claiming Sony cancelled the release of his upcoming movie "The Interview." The film was scheduled to be released on Christmas Day. On Dec 17, the studio spokesperson made the big announcement about the movie after receiving threats from hackers according to Variety.

Meanwhile, Huffington Post has provided list of things James Franco has done in past few days including giving an appearance for the "final episode of 'The Colbert Report.'" He even posted some messages on his Twitter account. Thus fans must note that the actor is alive and doing well.

James Franco is one of the many celebrities who have become a victim of a viral death hoax. Actor Macaulay Culkin, Charlie Hunnam and singer Miley Cyrus are some of the popular people who were rumoured to be dead by hoaxers not too long ago.