Sean Penn to direct film about Capitol attack police officer

American actor Sean Penn, a three-time Oscar winner, will direct a film about a police officer caught in the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol, American media reported on Tuesday, according to AFP.

With Sean Penn serving as both director and screenwriter, the film will tell the story of the officer, who could be portrayed by Bradley Cooper, according to entertainment publication Deadline.

Filming is scheduled to begin in the middle of next year, the report added, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

Contacted by AFP, Sean Penn’s representatives did not immediately respond.

On January 6, 2021, hundreds of supporters of Donald Trump, energized by his unfounded claims of election fraud, stormed the U.S. Capitol, a symbol of American democracy, in an attempt to prevent the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory.

Donald Trump, who has never acknowledged his electoral defeat, denies any responsibility for the attack and has described those involved as “patriots.”

After returning to the White House, the U.S. president granted pardons to approximately 1,250 people convicted in connection with the assault, commuted the sentences of 14 others, and ordered the dismissal of legal proceedings against hundreds of defendants still awaiting trial.

Known for his left-leaning political and social activism, Sean Penn attended public hearings held by the congressional committee investigating the events.

At the time, the actor was photographed alongside officers who had confronted the rioters, including Michael Fanone.

Fanone, who testified before the committee, later wrote a book describing the trauma he suffered during the attack, during which he experienced a heart attack and a traumatic brain injury.

However, the identity of the police officer who inspired the film has not been disclosed.

According to industry media, the film rights have been acquired by Warner Bros.. The renowned studio is currently in the process of being acquired by Paramount Skydance, whose chief executive, David Ellison, is considered close to Donald Trump.

Warner Bros. produced the film One Battle After Another, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture and earned Sean Penn his third Oscar statuette in March.

Photo: Wikipedia