The New York Post reports that Sean Penn has signed on to direct The Comedian, a script co-written by Art Linson and Roastmaster General Jeffrey Ross, with Robert Deniro attached to star. Tweeted Ross, “My film degree might pay off yet.” The project would be Ross’s first. If it does well, you can expect him to recycle it six times for different award shows. OH! I kid, I kid. Seriously though, tip your waiters, Donald Trump’s hair, try the veal.
Sean Penn will come aboard to direct “The Comedian” starring Robert De Niro, according to sources. The film was written by Art Linson and Jeffrey Ross and follows De Niro as an aging, bitterly funny stand-up comic. It will go into production in New York next year. Penn’s last directorial effort was the 2007 Jon Krakauer adaptation, “Into the Wild.” Reports from Cannes had erroneously said Martin Scorsese would direct “The Comedian.” [NYPost]
Deniro famously played aspiring comedian Rupert Pupkin in Scorcese’s 1982 film, King of Comedy, though all remember about that is him saying “Rupert Pupkin” about 16 thousand times and the secretary who never wore a bra. Anyway, this sounds like a perfect pairing, because if anyone knows comedy, it’s Sean Penn. As long as you don’t do anything insane, like imply that Jude Law is in a lot of movies at the Oscars. Barrel of laughs, that guy. Never without a smile on his face.