SHORT TAKES : Penn, Wright Having a Baby

Actor Sean Penn and his “State of Grace” co-star Robin Wright will soon be parents, but they won’t recite wedding vows until sometime this fall.

“He couldn’t be happier, but they were hopeful the news wouldn’t get out so soon,” publicist Lois Smith said today from her New York office. The baby is due next spring.

“They will be getting married, probably after October when he finishes directing ‘The Indian Runner’ in Nebraska,” Smith said.

Penn and Wright will be in New York on Sunday for the premiere of “State of Grace,” which opens nationwide on Sept. 14. The movie tells the story of Irish gangs in New York, and Penn plays a policeman in love with Wright.

The couple began dating after shooting the movie last summer.

Wright’s acting credits include the 1987 movie “The Princess Bride.” The pregnancy has forced her to drop out of “Robin Hood--Prince of Thieves,” starring Kevin Costner and filming in London.

Penn has starred in such films as “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” “Colors” and “The Falcon and the Snowman.” Penn was divorced last year from pop singer Madonna.