A photo posted by James Franco (@jamesfrancotv) on Jan 8, 2016 at 10:32am PST

MANILA – Hollywood star James Franco was quizzed about the possibility of dating Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach following their much-talked about Instagram exchange last January.

In his recent column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Ruben Nepales shared his observations during his interview with Franco.

“James looked tired when he walked in, but the Pia topic seemed to suddenly perk him up,” Nepales wrote.

After being reminded of his Instagram exchange with Wurtzbach, Franco was said to have replied with a huge grin: “Whoa! Somebody is playing matchmaker here.”

Last January, Franco posted a collage of himself and Wurtzbach on his Instagram page. It had the caption: “I love the Philippines!”

Wurtzbach, who earlier admitted having a crush on Franco, reposted the Hollywood star’s image and replied: “I love you more!”

When asked by Nepales if he is interested in dating Wurtzbach, Franco replied: “I don’t know – what is her life like? She must have a crazy (busy) life. I don’t know how we would even ever get together. We will see what happens, man.”

Aside from Franco, Wurtzbach has been linked to ABS-CBN reporter Atom Araullo, Super Junior’s Siwon Choi and Dr. Mikhail “Dr. Mike” Varshavski, who was dubbed by People Magazine last year as the “sexiest doctor alive.”