Sean Penn, Iggy Pop booked for "Persepolis"

By Gregg Goldstein

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Sean Penn and Iggy Pop will voice roles in the North American version of Sony Pictures Classics’ French animated political drama "Persepolis."

It’s the first animation role for Penn, who will lend his voice to the father of a young girl struggling with life in Iran during and after the fall of the Shah in 1979. Pop, who has voiced roles in animated series like Comedy Central’s "Lil’ Bush," will play her politically active uncle.

Gena Rowlands has already been cast to voice the role of the girl’s grandmother in the new version, and Catherine Deneuve will reprise the role of the girl’s mother in the English-language version. The film is tentatively slated for domestic theatrical release at the end of 2007.

Vincent Paronnaud and Marjane Satrapi’s film is based on Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novels. It tied with Carlos Reygadas’ "Silent Light" for the jury prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Penn’s recent credits include his Oscar-winning turn in "Mystic River," "All the King’s Men" and the upcoming immigration drama "Crossing Over." Punk-rock star Pop’s screen work has included roles in "Coffee and Cigarettes" and "Snow Day."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

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