Sean Penn to direct film on January 6 Capitol riot
What's the story
Hollywood actor Sean Penn is all set to write and direct a new film based on the January 6 Capitol riot, reported Deadline. The yet-to-be-titled project will reportedly revolve around a police officer involved in the 2021 insurrection. Oscar-nominated actor Bradley Cooper is in talks to play this lead role. The film has also been described as an "unexpected story about friendship."
Collaboration details
Film being made in collaboration with real-life subject
The film will be made in collaboration with the real-life subject of the story, whose identity remains undisclosed. Notably, Penn had attended a January 6 House committee hearing in 2022 as an observer. He described himself as "just another citizen" who came to see if justice would prevail after the events of that day.
Career highlights
Details about the involved artists
Penn, who recently won his third Oscar for One Battle After Another, has previously won Oscars for Milk and Mystic River. On the other hand, Cooper, a 12-time Oscar nominee, was last seen in Is This Thing On?. He will next be heard in Bong Joon-ho's animated adventure Ally, alongside Ayo Edebiri, and is also set to write, direct, and star in an Ocean's Eleven prequel. Meanwhile, the January 6 film is aiming for a mid-2027 production start date.