Sean Penn to Direct Film About Police Officer at Jan. 6 Capitol Riot

Sean Penn will direct a new movie centered on a police officer who was present during the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021. Warner Bros. made the announcement, revealing that Penn will direct the film based on his own script. While the movie remains untitled, Bradley Cooper is in discussions to star, though no agreement has been finalized yet.

Although representatives for Penn and Warner Bros. have not disclosed the identity of the film’s main character, they have confirmed that the role is inspired by a real person. In 2022, Penn attended the hearings of the House Select Committee, which investigated the Capitol attack. He sat between Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police officers Michael Fanone and Daniel Hodges. Both officers played significant roles during the riots.

Officer Fanone testified about his harrowing experience at the scene. He recounted how he was assaulted and only managed to escape further harm by mentioning he had children. The attack led to him suffering a heart attack. Similarly, Officer Hodges gave testimony about his experiences during the riots.

Penn attended the hearings as a concerned citizen, expressing interest in the unfolding justice process. The film will explore “an unexpected friendship,” and production is scheduled to begin in mid-2027.

This announcement comes shortly after the U.S. Justice Department stated it would not contest the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance. The $111 billion deal, finalized in February, will place Warner Bros. under the leadership of David Ellison, the chief executive of Paramount. Ellison has notable connections to former President Donald Trump. Additionally, he recently attended a UFC event at the White House.

Sean Penn is renowned for his acclaimed role in “One Battle After Another,” which won the Best Picture award at the Academy Awards. Penn himself won an Oscar for his portrayal of Col. Steven J. Lockjaw, a character marked by zealotry, though he opted to skip the ceremony to visit Ukraine instead.