“We need that debate” - Sean Penn comments on Charlie Kirk weeks after the killing

Sean Penn reflected on the recent death of far-right activist Charlie Kirk during an interview with The New York Times, published on September 27, 2025. Kirk was killed on September 10 at the age of 31 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

While Academy Award-winning actor-director acknowledged that he disagreed with nearly all of Kirk’s political views, he emphasized the importance of having voices like Kirk’s in public discourse. 

Penn stated that differing perspectives help foster open discussion on social issues, suggesting that even those with opposing beliefs play a necessary role in democratic conversation.

Despite their ideological differences, Penn expressed respect for the value of diverse opinions and the need for debate across the political spectrum.

“We need that debate,” shared Penn. “We’ve gotta fight it out and find a compromise. (Acts of political violence) do come into fashion, and the way we kill the fashion of it is people of conscience on both sides recognizing that if somebody really believes something, that’s your friend.”

Sean Penn further stressed that the United States urgently needs greater mutual understanding across political divides.

He argued that people must begin treating opposing perspectives as valid opinions, even when they strongly disagree, in order to encourage healthier dialogue and reduce polarization.

“I’m talking about if somebody believes that a human being starts at conception, if you can’t understand that concept, you’re just stupid,” Penn told. “And if you’re not willing to tolerate the concept as a concept that’s held as deeply as I may have a belief that, I don’t know, let the woman decide. All of these are valid opinions.”

Sean Penn's 2025 film One Battle After Another explores the theme of political violence

Sean Penn’s movie One Battle After Another was released in theaters across the US on September 26, 2025. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the action-thriller explores political resistance and the clash between radical activism and authoritarian power. 

The story follows Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio), a former revolutionary and demolitions expert in the militant collective French 75.

The group carries out risky operations, freeing immigrants from detention centers, destroying military equipment and government buildings, and robbing banks, positioning themselves as a persistent threat to conservative nationalist forces.

The militant group’s escalating campaign provokes Colonel Steven Lockjaw (Sean Penn), a ruthless and racist official determined to crush them after being humiliated by their leader, Perfidia Beverly Hills (Teyana Taylor).

Amid the conflict, Perfidia and Bob Ferguson’s romance leads to the birth of their daughter, Willa (Chase Infiniti). Fearing for her safety, Perfidia goes into hiding, leaving Bob to raise Willa alone while continuing their dangerous resistance against Lockjaw and his forces.

Sixteen years pass and Bob becomes a recluse stoner who has put his revolutionary days behind him, and who is fixated on protecting Willa and living off the grid.

He is forced to defend Willa when Colonel Steven Lockjaw reappears and begins hunting her. Their desperate battle for survival is further complicated by a forgotten password.

The film explores the personal cost of revolutionary ideas and the aftereffects of radical activism.

Check in for more news in the world of entertainment.