Sean Penn Won't Participate In Gaslit Until All Cast And Crew Gets Vaccinated

As uncertainties about overcoming COVID-19 and the new Delta variant persist, actor Sean Penn has said he will not return to film the Starz limited series Gaslit until all members of the production have been vaccinated. Deadline originally reported the ultimatum, which is a challenge and invitation for leadership across Hollywood to impose stricter requirements.

Penn has also let it be known that as he is fully vaccinated, his position has less to do with his own concerns over catching the virus and everything to do with improving working environments. While it might be tempting to believe COVID is a thing of the past, many productions have recently been put on temporary hold due to positive testing--the Game of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon and the Netflix titles Bridgerton and Matilda are just a few examples. This week, the highly-anticipated movie The Green Knight was pulled from U.K. release schedules over COVID-19 Delta variant concerns.

Gaslit is a modern take on the 1970s political Watergate scandal, centering on untold stories and forgotten characters who played a role in the broader story. Based on the popular Slate podcast Slow Burn, the political thriller series is directed by Matt Ross (Silicon Valley), and in addition to Penn stars Julia Roberts, Betty Gilpin (GLOW), and Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey, Legion). Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot) is among the many impressive co-producers, alongside Roberts.

Per Penn's announcement, it's not yet known when Gaslit will debut on Starz.