Although certainly one to take himself seriously, Sean Penn is set to investigate the world of comedy with his next directing gig, THE COMEDIAN. Penn will direct Robert De Niro and Kristen Wiig in the film, which is written by Art Linson and Jeffery Ross. This will mark Penn’s first film as director since INTO THE WILD in 2007.

THE COMEDIAN follows Jackie Burke (De Niro), an over-the-hill comic whose career has long past its heyday. He struggles to accept that his best days are behind him and holds onto to past glories wherever possible. After a moment of rage toward an audience member lands him in trouble, Burke is sentenced to community service, where he meets Harmony (Wiig), who turns his life around.

Production of THE COMEDIAN will begin spring 2012.

Source: FilmNation Entertainment