Charlie Sheen and Whoopi Goldberg are starring in the independent action-drama “Nine Eleven” with shooting starting Monday, Variety has learned exclusively.

“Nine Eleven,” directed by Martin Guigui from script he co-wrote with Steven Golebiowski, depicts five individuals trapped in an elevator in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, and their struggle to survive. Luis Guzman, Wood Harris and Olga Fonda have also been cast.

“Nine Eleven” will be shot entirely at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, Calif. Thunder Studios is co-producing with Sprockefeller Pictures, Vitamin A Films and Sunset Pictures. Producers are Martin Sprock, Dahlia Waingort and Warren Ostergard. Sheen’s manager and industry veteran Mark Burg will serve as executive producer, along with Thunder Studios CEO Rodric David and Ryan Johnson.

“We are immensely grateful to bring this inspirational story to life. ‘Nine Eleven’ is a highly emotional journey and it took a dynamic bunch to collectively come together to make this unique film happen,” said Guigui. “We are fortunate to have such a gifted cast on board. Both Charlie and Whoopi are native New Yorkers who strongly identify with this story.”

Sheen said, “I feel deeply connected to the material and I’m so excited to be working with my dear friend Whoopi Goldberg.”

Sheen most recently starred in the FX series “Anger Management.” Goldberg, who cohosts “The View,” appeared in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”

Burg was a producer on the “Saw” franchise. Ostergrad’s credits include “7 Below.” Guigui directed “Cattle Call” and “Swing.”