Ridham Vashishth
Sean Penn’s career journey in Hollywood is nothing short of cinematic itself. From his early days as the rebellious Jeff Spicoli in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ to his transformative roles in ‘Mystic River’ and ‘Milk,’ Penn has consistently showcased his unparalleled ability to dive deep into the psyche of his characters. His performances aren’t just acts; they’re experiences that move the audience and lead them to introspection. With two Oscars on his shelf, it’s evident that Penn’s dedication to his craft hasn’t gone unnoticed.
But it’s not just Penn’s on-screen presence that captivates. As a director, his ventures behind the camera have been equally compelling, offering poignant and thought-provoking narratives. Off the screen, his humanitarian efforts further paint the picture of a man deeply committed to making a difference through art or direct action. Since he has delivered riveting performances in several acclaimed projects, one must be asking: What’s next in store from this Hollywood stalwart? For those eagerly charting his cinematic trajectory, here’s a comprehensive look at the upcoming projects featuring Sean Penn, promising yet another dose of his unmatched artistry.
1. Untitled Paul Thomas Anderson Event Film (2025)
Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this yet-untitled project will be an event film, although the plot is under wraps. The cast includes Penn, Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Wood Harris, Regina Hall and Alana Haim. Considering that Anderson is a director who likes to work in secrecy, there is still time before we find out more about this project, which is in its post-production phase. It is slated for release on August 8, 2025.
2. C*A*U*G*H*T (TBA)
The upcoming series ‘C*A*U*G*H*T,’ a satirical take on war, is a blend of humor and drama. The plot revolves around four Australian soldiers dispatched on a covert mission to a conflict-ridden nation. However, things take a bizarre turn when they’re mistaken for Americans, leading to their capture by freedom fighters. This misidentification culminates in a hostage video that unexpectedly goes viral. As the soldiers bask in their newfound celebrity status, they come to a startling realization: perhaps getting “caught” was the best thing that ever happened to them.
Penn, known for his intense roles and real-life proximity to global conflict zones, plays a fictionalized version of himself. Penn’s character is intricately woven into the narrative, adding layers of depth and intrigue. Joining him in this roller-coaster ride are notable actors like Matthew Fox, Bella Heathcote, Erik Thomson, Ben O’Toole, Lincoln Younes, Fayssal Bazzi, and the veteran actor Bryan Brown. The series also boasts of a surprise appearance by television journalist Allison Langdon.
Behind the scenes, the series is the brainchild of Australian actor and filmmaker Kick Gurry, who not only penned the script but also dons the director’s hat. Penn wears multiple hats as he steps in as an executive producer, collaborating with producers John and Michael Schwarz and Brendan Donoghue. The series dropped on Stan in Australia on September 28, 2023, and ITVX in the U.K. in October 2023. The show’s United States release is yet to be announced.
3. Gonzo Girl (TBA)
The literary world has always been fascinated by the enigmatic and controversial figure of Hunter S. Thompson. ‘Gonzo Girl’ offers a cinematic exploration into the intricate dynamics between the iconic writer and a young assistant. The narrative is inspired by Cheryl Della Pietra’s novel, which is a semi-fictional account of her real-life experiences working under Thompson.
Penn, known for his transformative roles and unparalleled commitment to his craft, is set to bring another memorable character to life in this film. While details about Penn’s specific role are under wraps, given his history of portraying intense and layered characters, audiences can expect a riveting performance. Patricia Arquette, who not only stars in the film but is also the director, expressed her vision for the project: a deep dive into the themes of drug addiction and co-dependency, both of which were integral to Thompson’s life.
The ensemble is further bolstered by the inclusion of Willem Dafoe, who plays the writer, and Camila Morrone, who gives life to the assistant. The rest of the cast includes Elizabeth Lail, Ray Nicholson, Leila George, Rick Springfield, and James Urbaniak. Arquette’s journey with the film is noteworthy. Initially approached as an actor, she took on the directorial mantle when the original director stepped down, completing the film’s shoot in just 21 days.
‘Gonzo Girl’ made a significant impact at the Toronto Film Festival 2023. The release date for ‘it is yet to be confirmed. However, given the buzz surrounding the film and the powerhouse of talent involved, it’s poised to be a must-watch.
4. War Through the Eyes of Animals (TBA)
Currently in post-production, ‘War Through the Eyes of Animals’ is a Ukranian anthology war film. It includes 11 stories about animals caught in the war in Ukraine. It is directed by Sviatoslav Kostiuk, Andriy Lidagovskiy, Alexei Mamedov, Yuliya Shashkova, Myroslav Slaboshpytskyi, and Maksym Tuzov. The script has been written by Kostiuk, Lidagovskiy, Mamedov, Yuliya Shashkova, and Myroslav Slaboshpytskyi. Penn plays the role of a sound engineer/producer whose work on rare bird voices at a national reserve comes to a halt by the sudden war outbreak after the Russian forces invaded on February 24, 2022. Alongside Penn, the cast includes Maryna Koshkina, Andrey Isaenko, Olga Korotyayeva, Aleksey Zubkov, and Andriy Lidagovskiy. Currently in post-production, ‘War Through the Eyes of Animals’ is yet to get a release date. You can watch the trailer here.
5. Untitled Jamal Khashoggi Project (TBA)
The untitled documentary will portray the story of Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist whose name became synonymous with courage and the cost of truth, being brought to the screen under the meticulous eye of Sean Penn. This isn’t just another documentary; it’s a profound exploration of a man’s life, his audacious journalistic pursuits, and the tragic end that sent ripples across the globe.
Penn, a name that needs no introduction, is not just in the director’s chair but is also donning the producer’s hat for this project. His involvement hints at a deeply personal touch, ensuring this isn’t just a recounting of events but a heartfelt homage. As the project is still in its filming stages (and for quite some time now), the anticipation is building, promising an exploration of the indomitable spirit of journalism, the relentless quest for truth, and the sacrifices that often come with it.
6. Untitled Dylan Penn/Sean Penn Project (TBA)
The upcoming untitled Dylan Penn/Sean Penn project remains shrouded in mystery, with its plot details currently under wraps. While the specifics of the plot remain tantalizingly elusive, what we do know is that the talented Dylan Penn occupies the director’s chair. The intrigue deepens with the involvement of Hollywood heavyweight Penn, whose character details remain closely guarded. The father-daughter duo’s collaboration is undeniably the talk of the town, hinting at a cinematic experience that’s both personal and profound.
As it stands, the project is simmering in its developmental stages. After working together on ‘Flag Day,’ Dylan revealed in 2021 that she has a script ready. “I have a script. I’m ready. I need the money first, and then I need to cast him so I can talk about it more,” she told THR. “I know from the experience of working on this film [‘Flag Day’] that she will be a wonderful director and I would assume that if that’s what she wants to happen, it will,” Penn added. Unfortunately, there’s no official information available regarding the production of the project at the moment. As more information becomes available, this project will certainly be on many watchlists, given the talent attached to it.
Read More: Is Fast Times at Ridgemont High Based on a True Story?
