Oscar-winning actor and director, Sean Penn, recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to discuss his new documentary, “Superpower,” which focuses on Ukrainian President Zelensky. The documentary takes a closer look at the real-life action hero and the current situation in Ukraine.
During the interview, Penn revealed that he had met with President Zelensky in person before filming began. The goal was to capture the president in an unguarded manner, away from the typical news cameras. However, unexpectedly, rockets started falling in the area the very next day. Despite the danger, President Zelensky was committed to continuing the documentary and, astonishingly, invited Penn and his crew to film.
The talk show host, Jimmy Kimmel, was curious to know how Penn’s crew had reacted to the sudden change in plans. Penn responded by explaining that while he and his partners understood the risks, the local Ukrainian production crew insisted on staying and fighting for their country. Penn admired their determination and believed their contribution to the film would be invaluable in providing a genuine perspective of the situation.
Penn further emphasized the importance of giving a context and understanding to average Americans through his documentary. He hoped that viewers would recognize the unity displayed by the Ukrainian people and use it as inspiration to reclaim a sense of unity within the United States. Penn acknowledged his own bias but emphasized that the documentary aimed to help individuals find their place in the story.
The conversation with Kimmel turned personal when they discussed Penn’s experiences in other disaster-stricken countries, such as Haiti and New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Penn admitted to lying to his children about his safety during such trips, attempting to reassure them while avoiding causing unnecessary worry.
While Penn acknowledged the risks involved in visiting dangerous places, he highlighted the sacrifice and bravery of the Ukrainian people during these turbulent times. He recounted a personal story of bonding with a Ukrainian fighter pilot who tragically lost his life during the filming process.
As the interview came to a close, Kimmel expressed his gratitude to Penn for documenting the situation in Ukraine, reminding viewers not to forget the ongoing struggles in the country amidst other global conflicts. Penn stressed the importance of preserving a better world for future generations and not tolerating extremism or terrorism.
With his documentary, “Superpower,” now available to stream on Paramount Plus, Sean Penn hopes to shed light on the crisis in Ukraine and inspire audiences to take action.
