Sean Penn explains why he is unable to portray Harvey Milk in present times due to excessive overreach.
Sean Penn, known for his long and successful career, has built a lasting legacy. The Academy Award-winning actor continues to stay relevant by taking on unconventional and intriguing projects. Recently, Penn discussed his iconic role in the film Milk.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Penn revealed that he would not take on the role of Harvey Milk today. In the past, he received praise for portraying a queer character, but today, there is an ongoing conversation about casting queer actors for such roles.
Penn expressed his views on the current trends, mentioning the outcry regarding straight actors playing gay characters. He believes that in today’s climate, certain casting choices would not be accepted.
The veteran actor remarked, “It’s a time of tremendous overreach,” referring to the current restrictions on creativity and imagination in filmmaking.
In discussing his experiences on set, Penn admitted that filming Milk was the last time he truly enjoyed the process. He confessed to feeling miserable for the following 15 years in the industry.
Penn described his time on set during those years as exhausting, as he felt obligated to fulfill certain roles and responsibilities that drained his energy and motivation.
Looking ahead, Sean Penn’s upcoming film, Daddio, starring Dakota Johnson, is scheduled to premiere on June 28, 2024.
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