Sean Penn to Direct Jan 6 Cop Film, Bradley Cooper in Talks

A new film project about the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot is in development, with Sean Penn set to write and direct and Bradley Cooper in talks to star. The currently untitled film is being produced by Penn, John Ira Palmer, and John Wildermuth under their Projected Picture Works banner, with Warner Bros. in negotiations to acquire it.

The film is described as an unexpected story about friendship that functions on multiple levels. Rather than focusing directly on the riot, the narrative will center on the early life and journey of a real-life police officer who was present during the attack, a journey that reportedly led him to later be viewed as an American hero by many. The identity of the officer serving as the film's subject is being kept confidential, though the project is understood to have his cooperation.

Penn's involvement follows his attendance at a public hearing of the House select committee investigating the January 6 attack in 2022. At the time, he stated he was there to observe as a citizen. He was seen speaking with Michael Fanone, a former Washington D.C. police officer who was severely injured defending the Capitol, though it has not been confirmed if Fanone...