Sean Penn speaks out

LONDON, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- American director Sean Penn appears to be a kindred spirit, in some regards, to Christopher McCandless, the subject of his latest film, “Into the Wild."

Penn, 47, spoke to The Telegraph supporting his new movie about McCandless, who gave his life’s savings to Oxfam to live a meager life in America before dieing of starvation in Alaska.

“I think I like the idea of pursuing a rite of passage, going outside the comfort zone,” Penn told the British newspaper, drawing parallels between himself and McCandless.

Going outside the comfort zone is something of the norm for Penn. He has made trips to Iraq and Tehran, which garnered some ridicule, to which Penn responded by extending an invitation in a letter, stating “I’ll show you around. When we return, make all the fun you want.”

Penn also discussed his rescue efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which earned him the nickname “Shotgun Sean," saying he had to “get on a plane and go” after watching coverage in exasperation.

“Into the Wild” is to be released in Britain Nov. 9, having debuted in the United States in September.