Franzén was born in Keminmaa, North Finland. Franzén has described his childhood as difficult due to his violent and alcoholic stepfather. Later Franzén's reationship to his abusive stepfather was a major focal point in his semi-autobiographical novel, Above Dark Waters. He met his Actress wife Irina Björklund while studying in Theatre Academy of Finland. In 1999 the couple moved to Los Angeles where they lived until 2013, after which they moved to France.