Sean Penn takes on Trump Era America film with Bradley Cooper eyeing lead role

Production is being targeted for 2027 as the untitled feature explores friendship and heroism in America

Sean Penn is preparing his next directing project, with Warner Bros backing an untitled drama inspired by the life of a real police officer who became caught up in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack.

According to Deadline, Penn has already written the screenplay and will direct the film. Bradley Cooper is currently in talks to play the lead character, although no deal has been finalised. The project marks another collaboration between Penn and Warner Bros following their work on One Battle After Another.

The movie is being described as a character driven story rather than a straightforward account of the Capitol riots. Sources indicated that the real life subject has given his support to the production, though his identity has not been publicly revealed.

It is reported that the story focuses heavily on the officer’s early life and the experiences that eventually led him to become viewed by many Americans as a hero. Friendship is said to be a central theme throughout the film.

Production is currently being targeted for mid 2027 due to Cooper’s schedule, which includes commitments to the next Oceans film. Penn will produce alongside John Ira Palmer and John Wildermuth under their Projected Picture Works banner.

The announcement has sparked speculation over whether the film could be based on former Washington DC police officer Michael Fanone, who was seriously injured during the January 6 attack. Fanone later became one of the most recognisable law enforcement figures associated with the events at the US Capitol and chronicled his experiences in his memoir Hold The Line. However, sources declined to confirm whether he is the inspiration behind the project.

Penn attended public hearings held by the House committee investigating the insurrection in 2022. During those proceedings, he said he was present simply as a citizen interested in seeing whether justice would be served.

For Cooper, the film would represent another portrayal of a complex American figure following acclaimed performances in American Sniper and A Star Is Born. Penn, meanwhile, has built a respected directing career with films including Into the Wild and The Pledge.

The two actors also share a connection dating back decades. Cooper famously questioned Penn during a 1994 episode of Inside the Actors Studio while still an acting student, and Penn later publicly praised Cooper’s work on A Star Is Born.

While details remain limited, the project is already attracting attention because of its politically sensitive subject matter and the involvement of two Oscar winning Hollywood figures.