However, it is thought that the actor may be taking time away from films to concentrate on his family problems and, only recently in May, he withdrew a petition to divorce his wife Robin Wright-Penn.
Penn married his wife 13 years ago, and although divorce proceedings were filed in court in December 2007 the couple got back together not long after this.
Earlier this year, Sean and Robin were seen in public together on the red carpet at the Oscars ceremony in February.
Industry newspaper The Hollywood Reporter has suggested that Penn could be taking up to a year away from making films so he can focus on family matters.
However, this means that the makers of The Three Stooges must now decide whether they are prepared to wait for Penn to resume acting or choose another actor to replace him in their film.
