What The What? Sean Penn Joins Ben Stiller In 'The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty'

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by Kevin Jagernauth
April 23, 2012 4:29 PM
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Sean Penn doesn't do comedy. Wait, let's rephrase that...Sean Penn doesn't do comedy often. Of course, there's "Fast Times At Ridgemont High," and he's lent his incredible talents to comic vehicles only a handful of times in such films as "We're No Angels," "What Just Happened" and "Shanghai Surprise." But he's not above doing funny stuff. In fact, you may recall for that for the longest time he was attached/linked to an earlier incarnation of The Farrelly Brothers' "The Three Stooges" (and he likely dodged a bullet) and he's also guested on Zach Galifianakis' "Between Two Ferns" (watch below). But a role in a remake of a classic film with Ben Stiller? Yeah, we didn't see this one coming either.

But it's happening as Penn is taking a role in "The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty." This new version of the story will center on a mild-mannered photo manager at LIFE magazine, who is walked over by nearly everyone in his life, but finds his escape through his daydreams where he can, through imagination, live any kind of life he chooses -- unfortunately, those idle thoughts seem to cause him even more strife than when he's back in reality. Deadline says Penn's role will be "small put pivotal" playing a photographer at the magazine, but his presence adds another strong name to a cast that includes Kristen Wiig (who he will be directing in "The Comedian" provided that's still happening), Adam Scott, Patton Oswalt, Shirley MacLaine and Kathryn Hahn.

Filming gets underway in New York City later this month.

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: Sean Penn from Between Two Ferns

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Chris | April 23, 2012 5:19 PMReply

While you're talking about Penn and comedy, don't forget "Sweet and Lowdown"! In fact, I think that's Penn's best performance.