"The director wanted someone who physically resembled Fidel Castro and had his charisma," producer John Martinez O'Felan told AFP.
Mr. Martinez said he finally decided to approach James Franco after becoming interested in the profile of several actors of Latin American or Iberian origin.
This will be the second appearance in a production for the 44-year-old actor since being reported for sexual harassment and misconduct in 2018.
James Franco has been accused by four former students of his acting school of abusing them during nude scenes.
During an interview last December, the actor, who was nominated for an Oscar in 2011 for the film "127 hours", admitted to having had sexual relations with some of his students.
"Alina de Cuba" will be directed by Miguel Bardem, cousin of Spanish actor Javier Bardem.
It will be filmed in Colombia from August 15, said Mr. Martínez O'Felan.
Ana Villafañe will play Alina Fernandez, the daughter of Castro and Natalia Revuelta Clews, played by Argentine Mia Maestro.
Alina Fernández, 66, has lived in exile since the 1990s. Based in Miami, the opponent of the Cuban revolution is the author of the autobiographical book "Fidel my father: Confessions of Castro's rebellious daughter".
© 2022 AFP