Michael Pena joins Sean Penn in 'Gangster Squad'

Michael Pena has signed up to star in the period police drama Gangster Squad.

The actor is to play a police officer in the corrupted Los Angeles Police Department who is keen to prove he has enough integrity to take down East Coast crime lord Mickey Cohen, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Pena will join cast members Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling and Josh Brolin in the drama to be directed by Zombieland helmer Ruben Fleischer.

Gangster Squad is inspired by a Los Angeles Times article series by Paul Lieberman, which was adapted by former law enforcement officer Will Beall.

Pena was last seen in Battle: Los Angeles and is currently also attached to the contemporary police buddy movie End of Watch.

Watch the trailer for Battle: Los Angeles below: