Renowned actor Sean Penn is set to do his sixth directorial feature, "The Comedian." Joining the cast is his friend and method-acting idol, Robert De Niro, and Kristen Wiig, who is fresh off this year's blockbuster, "Bridesmaids."

Actress Kristen Wiig arrives at "The Comedy Awards" in New York City March 26, 2011. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi

Contrary to its title, the film is actually a drama. It tells a story of Jackie Burke, a struggling stand-up comic who is "past his prime" and goes to desperate lengths to revitalize his career. After hitting an audience member with his microphone, he is sentenced to perform community service, where he meets Harmony. Burke sparks an affair with this feisty redhead, who's about to turn his world upside down.

De Niro and Wiig are most likely to play the roles of Jackie and Harmony, respectively.

"The Comedian" will mark Penn's first return to the director's chair since 2007's "Into The Wild." The biographical drama garnered multiple accolades, including Jury Award at the Rome Film Festival and Best Foreign Language Film at the São Paulo International Film Festival, proving that he means business.

U.S. actor and director Sean Penn receives his Golden Icon Award at the Zurich Film Festival in Zurich September 28, 2011. Penn was honoured for his lifetime achievement. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

As for the cast, De Niro is unlikely a stranger to playing comedic roles. He cracked audiences up with "Analyze This," the "Meet the Parents" films and the Martin Scorsese-helmed "The King of Comedy." He can be currently seen on the action flick 'Killer Elite' and this December in "New Year's Eve."

Wiig enjoyed immense success with comedy this year as the dysfunctional Annie Walker in "Bridesmaids," which she both starred in and co-wrote. "The Comedian," however, includes "drama" in its description, therefore hinting at her yet-to-be-seen versatility as an actress. She also has two more features lined up for 2012, both with ensemble casts - "Friends with Kids" and "Revenge for Jolly."

Actor Robert De Niro speaks on stage at the 5th annual Spike TV's Guys Choice awards in Culver City, California June 4, 2011. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Principal photography is scheduled to start nexty spring. The screenplay is credited to Jeffrey Ross and Art Linson. Linson, who also produced "Into The Wild," will co-produce alongside John Linson, John Kilik and De Niro.

FilmNation entertainment will handle international sales of the movie at next week's American Film Market. CAA, on the other hand, will represent its domestic rights within the U.S.