Sean Penn to direct January 6 drama with Bradley Cooper set to star

Sean Penn will direct a new film about the January 6 Capitol riot, with Bradley Cooper attached to star. Penn, who recently won his second Oscar, will also write the script for the fact-based movie. The film is described as a "passion project" and will reportedly follow a police officer involved in the 2021 events. Warner Bros. is set to produce the project. The news was first reported by Deadline. Penn's directorial work includes "The Pledge" (2001) and "The Indian Runner" (1991). Cooper's recent acting credits include "Maestro" (2023), for which he also directed and co-wrote the screenplay. The film's focus on a police officer suggests a narrative exploring the law enforcement perspective during the riot.