Who is directing the film on the January 6 Capitol attack?

Sean Penn is directing and writing the film, drawing from his attendance at the congressional hearings on the event.

Where is the film set?

The film centers on the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., during the January 6, 2021, attack.

Why is this film significant?

It marks a major Hollywood effort to dramatize a pivotal moment in U.S. democratic history, led by an acclaimed actor-activist.

Which studio is producing the film?

Warner Bros. is producing, currently under acquisition by Paramount Skydance.

When will the film be released?

Production starts mid-2027; release expected in 2028 or later.

January 6 Capitol Attack to Be Adapted into Film by Sean Penn as Director

Published Jun 17, 2026 1:44 PM ・ Updated Jun 19, 2026 4:30 AM ・ 5 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

Three-time Oscar winner Sean Penn will direct a film about a police officer present during the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack by Trump supporters. Warner Bros. is producing, with Bradley Cooper in talks for the lead role. The film, based on a real officer, is set to begin production in mid-2027.

Central Message

(CNA, Los Angeles, 16th –综合 international news) Warner Bros. announced today that Sean Penn, a three-time Oscar winner, will direct a new film depicting the story of a police officer who was on-site during the January 6, 2021, incident when Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

According to reports from the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse, Penn will direct this yet-untitled film based on his own screenplay. Actor Bradley Cooper is currently in negotiations to play the lead role, though no agreement has been finalized.

Representatives for Penn and Warner Bros. declined to comment on the identity of the film’s protagonist but confirmed the character is based on a real person.

Penn attended the hearings held in 2022 by the U.S. House Select Committee investigating the Capitol attack, sitting between Michael Fanone and Daniel Hodges—both Washington D.C. police officers who responded to the scene on the day of the incident.

The film is described as centering on 'an unexpected friendship' and is scheduled to begin production in mid-2027.

The 65-year-old Penn, known for both acting and directing, won his third career Oscar earlier this year for 'One Battle After Another,' released by Warner Bros.

The January 6, 2021, Capitol attack was a major turning point in American society, when a large group of Trump supporters stormed Congress in an attempt to halt the joint session of Congress certifying Joe Biden’s election victory.

Trump continues to deny losing the 2020 election and has repeatedly referred to those involved in the Capitol incident as 'patriots,' granting pardons and sentence reductions to some supporters who admitted to assaulting police.

Warner Bros. is currently in the process of being acquired by Paramount Skydance. David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, is the son of Larry Ellison, co-founder and CEO of Oracle and an ally of Trump. (Compiled by: Tsai Chia-min) 1150617

Stand with facts—your support safeguards press freedom

Download the CNA 'First News' app for real-time updates

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, or transmitted without authorization.

FACT BOX

Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: Event

January 6 Capitol Attack to Be Adapted into Film by Sean Penn as Director

⚡ Key Points

FACT BOX

Editorial & Verification Standards

FAQ

Cite this article — HOW TO CITE

AI CRAWLER ACTIVITY