Sean Penn, Tye Sheridan Reunite on Screen in Cannes Competitor 'Black Flies'

The 76th Cannes Film Festival - Screening of the film "Black Flies" in competition - Red Carpet Arrivals - Cannes, France, May 18, 2023. Sean Penn, Tye Sheridan and Director Jean-Stephane Sauvaire pose. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnie
The 76th Cannes Film Festival - Screening of the film "Black Flies" in competition - Red Carpet Arrivals - Cannes, France, May 18, 2023. Sean Penn, Tye Sheridan and Director Jean-Stephane Sauvaire pose. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnie
TT
20

Sean Penn, Tye Sheridan Reunite on Screen in Cannes Competitor 'Black Flies'

The 76th Cannes Film Festival - Screening of the film "Black Flies" in competition - Red Carpet Arrivals - Cannes, France, May 18, 2023. Sean Penn, Tye Sheridan and Director Jean-Stephane Sauvaire pose. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnie
The 76th Cannes Film Festival - Screening of the film "Black Flies" in competition - Red Carpet Arrivals - Cannes, France, May 18, 2023. Sean Penn, Tye Sheridan and Director Jean-Stephane Sauvaire pose. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnie

Sean Penn and Tye Sheridan are reunited on the big screen after more than a decade in "Black Flies," a gritty tale about New York City paramedics that premiered in Cannes on Thursday.

Penn smoked a cigarette and then handed it off to be disposed of before stepping onto the red carpet for the screening of the movie, directed by Jean-Stephane Sauvaire, in competition for the Cannes Film Festival's top prize, Reuters said.

The two actors previously appeared together in 2011's Palme d'Or winner "The Tree of Life," directed by Terrence Malick.

Oscar-winning Penn, 62, plays veteran paramedic Rutkovsky while Sheridan, 26, known for his role as Cyclops in the X-Men film series, stars as Cross, who is just starting in the field.

Former boxer Mike Tyson, Michael Pitt from "Funny Games," and Katherine Waterston of "Inherent Vice" also have parts.

The film is adapted from the novel "911" by Shannon Burke, based on the US author's real-life experiences as a paramedic in Harlem during the crack epidemic in the mid-1990s.



Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carrie-Anne Moss Make Magic in 'Fubar' Season 2

Cast members Arnold Schwarzenegger, Fortune Feimster, Fabiana Udenio, Monica Barbaro, Barbara Eve Harris, Aparna Brielle, Travis Van Winkle, Carrie-Anne Moss, Milan Carter and Guy Burnet attend a premiere for season 2 of the television series FUBAR in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Cast members Arnold Schwarzenegger, Fortune Feimster, Fabiana Udenio, Monica Barbaro, Barbara Eve Harris, Aparna Brielle, Travis Van Winkle, Carrie-Anne Moss, Milan Carter and Guy Burnet attend a premiere for season 2 of the television series FUBAR in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
TT
20

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carrie-Anne Moss Make Magic in 'Fubar' Season 2

Cast members Arnold Schwarzenegger, Fortune Feimster, Fabiana Udenio, Monica Barbaro, Barbara Eve Harris, Aparna Brielle, Travis Van Winkle, Carrie-Anne Moss, Milan Carter and Guy Burnet attend a premiere for season 2 of the television series FUBAR in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Cast members Arnold Schwarzenegger, Fortune Feimster, Fabiana Udenio, Monica Barbaro, Barbara Eve Harris, Aparna Brielle, Travis Van Winkle, Carrie-Anne Moss, Milan Carter and Guy Burnet attend a premiere for season 2 of the television series FUBAR in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Austrian and American actor Arnold Schwarzenegger had to admit that it took him a lot of practice to nail the tango scene with Canadian actor Carrie-Anne Moss for season 2 of the Netflix action-comedy series "Fubar."

"We practiced. We practiced a lot, and she didn't need as much practice as I did, but I really practiced," the former California governor told Reuters.

The "Terminator" actor recalled doing the first take for the dance scene and impressing everyone with how ready they were.

"They just thought we were rehearsing, but they did not know that we were that prepared for the whole thing," Schwarzenegger said with a smile.

"Fubar" season 2, created by Nick Santora and produced by Skydance Television and Blackjack Films, premiered on Netflix last Thursday.

The story follows Luke Brunner, played by Schwarzenegger and his daughter Emma, played by Monica Barbaro, who are both CIA operatives.

Their fellow CIA team members include Barry Putt, played by Milan Carter, Boro Polonia, played by Gabriel Luna, Roo Russell, played by Fortune Feimster and Aldon Reese, portrayed by Travis Van Winkle.

In season 2, Brunner is back to working with his CIA team, but things take an unexpected turn when he encounters his ex-lover Greta Nelson, played by Carrie-Anne Moss.

Greta is a former East German spy who ends up going up against Brunner in both the tango and a tussling battle.

"Most of my scenes are with Arnold, so we developed this incredible friendship," Carrie-Anne said.

Schwarzenegger humorously recalled the "Matrix" actor bringing what he dubbed as "secret oil" to the set and putting it behind his ears before shooting a scene.

"Peppermint oil. I'm a big peppermint oil or just essential oil person," Carrie-Anne clarified.

"It was like some magic power because as soon as she smeared the stuff behind my ears, I mean it was like ‘pum!’ and we were kind of out of the gate doing our scenes in the most perfect way," Schwarzenegger added.