Sean Penn is all set to direct The Comedian, an indie feature starring Robert De Niro and Kristen Wiig, rumored to begin production in Spring 2012.
The film is about an ageing comic, Jackie Burke (De Niro), that hits a member of the audience with his microphone and is sentenced to perform community service. While serving his debt to society, he meets a fiery red head, Harmony, who becomes his love interest. Kristen Wiig will most likely be playing the character of Harmony, but as of now she has been confirmed as an unnamed member of the cast.
The Comedian marks Penn’s return to the director’s chair after several years. His last directorial effort, Into The Wild, was released in 2007 and starred up-and-comer Emile Hirsch (Milk, Speed Racer).
Penn is currently filming Gangster Squad with Ryan Gosling , Emma Stone, and Josh Brolin and recently appeared in The Tree of Life with Brad Pitt.
Aside from what was mentioned above, not much else is known about Penn’s new film but we’ll be sure to keep you updated if we hear more.