Sean Penn is busy promoting his new film Daddio starring himself and Dakota Johnson. But he has something big to say about Hollywood in general. In a recent interview the Oscar-winner said that the whole scenario in the industry has not been the same anymore since his 2008 film Milk. Penn won his second Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Harvey Milk.
Sean Penn Spent 15 Miserable Years On Set Following Milk
Sean Penn in Milk (2008). Image Credit: Universal Studios
Sean Penn, who won an Academy Award for his role in the 2008 biopic Milk, has opened up about the challenges he faced in his career following that film. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Penn revealed that he hasn’t experienced the same joy on a movie set since portraying Harvey Milk, the openly gay politician assassinated in 1978.
In Milk, Penn’s performance as Harvey Milk earned him his second Oscar. Reflecting on that time, he stated, “The last time I had a good time on a movie set was during the filming of Milk.” He went on to express, “I went 15 years miserable on sets.”
Discussing why his enthusiasm waned, Penn explained, “An actor playing a leading role and being a well-known actor, who is also well-paid, assumes a leadership position on a film. This requires showing up with energy and often acting as a bodyguard for the director.”
Penn admitted, “I was faking my way through that stuff and that was exhausting. Mostly what I thought was just, ‘What time is it? When are we going to get off?’ I was sure it was done, but I didn’t know how I was going to keep my house running or travel freely or things like that if I stopped.”
Following Milk, directed by Gus Van Sant and written by Dustin Lance Black, Penn continued to act in several notable films. These included Fair Game (2010), The Tree of Life (2011), This Must Be the Place (2011), Gangster Squad (2013), The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013), The Gunman (2015), The Professor and the Madman (2019), Licorice Pizza (2021), and many more.
Penn’s reflections offer a candid glimpse into the struggles he faced while maintaining his career, despite the acclaim he received for his role in Milk.
Sean Penn Wouldn’t Play Harvey Milk in 2024
Sean Penn in Milk (2008). Image Credit: Universal Studios
In recent years, the casting of straight actors in gay roles has been scrutinized more intensely. Brendan Fraser, for example, faced some criticism for his portrayal of a gay character in The Whale, despite earning an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance. As a result, Penn mentioned that he wouldn’t take on a gay role in a film like Milk today.
“No. It could not happen in a time like this,” Penn explained. “It’s a time of tremendous overreach. It’s a timid and artless policy toward the human imagination.”
On another note, Penn is set to return to the screen alongside Dakota Johnson in the upcoming film Daddio. This film uniquely features just the two actors engaging in an open and honest conversation in a cab, presenting a distinct project for the seasoned actor. Penn was immediately drawn to the concept and believed it might be an enjoyable experience.
“I felt like this could be a pleasant experience and that’s gonna matter to me now, maybe more than in the past,” Penn remarked, reflecting on his initial reaction to the movie’s script.
Dakota Johnson Explained How She Brought Sean Penn To Play The Role
Dakota Johnson, not only starring in the new film Daddio but also serving as a producer, found her perfect co-star in an unexpected place: her Malibu neighbor, Sean Penn. Penn himself admitted that working on Daddio reignited his passion for acting.
In an interview with Extra’s Sadie Murray, Dakota Johnson revealed her initial desire to cast a “Sean Penn type” for the role of cab driver Clark, ultimately securing Sean Penn himself for the part. Johnson had long admired Sean’s work, considering him an “important, special, unique person.” Their previous encounters and mutual respect made the collaboration seamless.
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Dakota Johnson recounted how she sent the script to Sean, who quickly responded with enthusiasm, recognizing the project as an exceptional piece of art. She noted, “We were lucky enough that he was just, it was kind of a no-brainer for him.“
Penn reached out to Johnson, and they discussed the film during a walk on the beach in Malibu. Despite some of Clark’s “borderline controversial things” in the script, Sean felt secure in taking on the role, particularly because the film was entirely created by women.
During a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Sean Penn praised Dakota Johnson, comparing the experience of working with her to listening to Paul McCartney sing Yesterday every day. Dakota was visibly moved, responding with, “Oh, my God. Wow.” She added, “That’s the most wonderful compliment, I think, anyone ever could receive. But Sean is, you know, a very, very tender human, and I think we just were able to access a part of him that he didn’t maybe know was there or that wanted to be accessed through this character.“
Reflecting on their time on set, she shared that it was a harmonious and collaborative environment where everyone felt part of something special. “We just had a really nice time. Everyone was really kind and talented and at the top of their game. There wasn’t this animosity on set or hierarchy, or any kind of weirdness. It was just a lovely time and incredible work to chew on.“
Johnson expressed her gratitude for rekindling Sean’s interest in films. She described the project as “creatively fulfilling,” both as a producer and a star. Despite the challenges faced in bringing the movie to life, the actress found the process immensely enjoyable and rewarding.
Daddio is out June 28.
