Sean Penn is in talks to produce an untitled movie about surfing legend Dorian "Doc" Paskowitz that is being developed as a possible starring vehicle for the two-time Oscar winner, an individual with knowledge of the negotiations has told TheWrap.
The news was first reported by Variety.
The project brings Penn's career full circle, as he ascended to stardom after playing surfing student Jeff Spicoli in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."
Alan and Gabe Polsky ("The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans") are producing the picture, having secured the life rights to Paskowitz and his family (including nine children!), who were recently the subject of Doug Pray's acclaimed documentary "Surfwise."
The 89-year-old Paskowitz recently decided to finally option his life rights after the Polskys attached Penn to the project.
Penn's friend Paul Feldsher will write the screenplay.
Deal Central previously reported that Penn was in talks to play surfing star Jay Moriarty's mentor Rick "Frosty" Hesson in Curtis Hanson's "Mavericks," but evidently Penn passed on that supporting role to tackle the Paskowitz project.
