Sean Penn directing Robert De Niro and Kristen Wiig in THE COMEDIAN

Sean Penn is set to work with Robert De Niro and Kristen Wiig on his next project. THR reports that the Tree of Life actor is going to direct De Niro and Wiig in The Comedian. Filming on the drama is scheduled to begin in the spring.

The script was written by Art Linson and Jeffrey Ross and has De Niro playing "a raging comic who wants to restore the fame he once enjoyed as a popular television character. After being senteced to to community service for hitting an audience member in the head with a microphone, he meets a dazzling redhead (Wiig) who turns his life sideways." The Comedian will be produced by Art and John Linson, Jon Kilik and De Niro. Shannon Costello will serve as associate producer.

This sounds like an intriguing story, one which De Niro and Wiig will be perfect in. Penn will have one advantage as a director, and that is the ability to effectively communicate what he wants to his actors. Another comedy/drama I recommend is Punchline starring Sally Field and Tom Hanks. What are your thoughts on this news?