By: Kelly West

Sean Penn’s acting career consists largely of dramas, so it’s a little surprising to hear that the Tree of Life star is in talks to play a supporting role in an upcoming comedy starring and directed by Ben Stiller. It’s surprising, but no less intriguing.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is actually a remake of a loose adaptation of a short story by James Thurber. The 1947 film, which stars Danny Kaye, followed Mitty, a daydreaming writer who imagines himself to be a hero. In addition to directing the remake, Stiller is set to play Walter Mitty. From what Deadline reports about the premise, it sounds like the comedy will make an adjustment to the title character’s profession, making him a magazine photo manager, as opposed to an editor. The site posted word of Penn’s potential involvement in the comedy, saying that he’s in talks to play a “small but pivotal supporting role” in the film. Other than that, the only specific mentioned on the part is that he’s a photographer.

Not only is Walter Mitty described as a comedy, but the film is already well stocked with comedic actors. In addition to Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott, Shirley MacLaine and Patton Oswalt are on board to star. Penn’s background may consist mainly of dramas, with recent films like Milk, The Tree of Life and the upcoming Gangster Squad under his belt, but Penn has revealed us his goofier side before. Most memorably, he played the dimwitted surfer Spicoli in Fast Times at Ridgmont High, and then of course, there was his guest starring role in Friends. Given how little we know of the role he might play in Walter Mitty, it’s hard to say if it’s a serious part, or if he’ll be contributing to the laughs. Either way, Walter Mitty already has a solid cast going for it, and Penn’s involvement, regardless of how “small” the role is would certainly add to that.

Source: Cinema Blend