Sean Penn will direct a new film about a police officer involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, as announced by Warner Bros. The movie remains untitled, and Penn will work from his own script. Bradley Cooper is in discussions to star in the film, though no final agreement has been reached. The movie draws inspiration from a real person, but the main character’s identity is currently undisclosed.

Penn observed the 2022 House Select Committee hearings on the Capitol attack, sitting with Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police officers Michael Fanone and Daniel Hodges. Both officers provided testimonies about their experiences during the riot. Fanone described being assaulted and suffering a heart attack after stating he had children. Hodges also recounted facing dangerous encounters. Penn attended the hearings as a concerned citizen interested in seeing justice served. The movie aims to explore the theme of ‘an unexpected friendship.’ Film production is set to begin in mid-2027.

This announcement coincides with a major industry development: the U.S. Justice Department will not block Paramount Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. This $111 billion deal, finalized in February, places the Warner Bros. studio under David Ellison, Paramount’s CEO. David Ellison, like his father Larry Ellison, has well-known connections to former President Donald Trump. Recently, David Ellison attended a UFC event at the White House.

Previously, Sean Penn was honored with an Academy Award for his role in ‘One Battle After Another.’ The film, recognized for its political themes, won best picture at the Oscars. Despite his achievement, Penn did not attend the awards ceremony, choosing to travel to Ukraine instead.