Franco filed away at UCLA

James Franco has bowed out of giving a commencement speech at the University of California, Los Angeles, a move that may have been prompted by pressure from students.

Franco issued a statement saying he canceled his scheduled appearance Friday because of preproduction demands for his next film.

However, the “Pineapple Express” star had been the object of opposition from students who said he was not the right fit.

“The problem with him as a speaker comes down to the fact he was a peer for so many of us,” UCLA senior Erin Moore said.

“He was in our class. He’s not a role model. And he hasn’t had time to accomplish anything with his degree.”

Franco, 31, graduated last year with a degree in creative writing. He would have been the youngest person and most recent graduate to deliver a commencement speech at UCLA.

Soon after the announcement in March, Moore set up a Facebook page called “UCLA Students Against James Franco as Commencement Speaker.”

He will be replaced by Linkin Park lead guitarist and UCLA alumnus Brad Delson.

Franco, best known for his supporting role in the “Spider-Man” films, is preparing for the comedy “Your Highness.” Filming begins next month.

LaBeouf takes stock

Shia LaBeouf has some work to do to get ready for his next role,

The “Transformers” star will appear in “Money Never Sleeps” – director Oliver Stone’s follow-up to “Wall Street” – opposite Michael Douglas, who won an Oscar for the first film.

“I don’t know what … a credit derivative is,” LaBeouf says. “I have no idea. I don’t know what a CPO is. IPB. LVC. You gotta know ticker names.”

The birthday bunch

Actor Andrew Stevens is 54. Actress Gina Gershon is 47. Actress Jeanne Tripplehorn is 46. Model-actress Elizabeth Hurley is 44. Singer Faith Evans is 36. Actor DJ Qualls is 31. Actor Shane West is 31. Actress Leelee Sobieski is 27.