It’s been a while since we’ve seen Daniel Day-Lewis on film. Known for his method acting and transformative performances, he opted to retire early from acting, a move no one saw coming. It has been a couple of years since that announcement, but, now, it seems he’s changed his mind. A new film promises to bring Day-Lewis back in front of the camera.
Daniel Day-Lewis had an astounding acting career
Daniel Day-Lewis made his on-screen debut with a small role in Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971), at the age of 14. His breakout part came over a decade later with My Beautiful Laundrette (1985), in which he portrayed a young, gay punk in Thatcher-era London. From there, his fame continued to sky-rocket, thanks to movies like A Room with a View (1985) and The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988).
Day-Lewis went on to make history by winning three Academy Awards for Best Actor, a record in the category. His first Oscar win came for My Left Foot (1989), in which he portrayed Christy Brown, an Irishman with cerebral palsy. His second was given for his intense portrayal of oilman Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood (2007), and his third was for Lincoln (2012).
Decision to retire
In a shocking announcement, a representative for Daniel Day-Lewis shared word of the actor’s retirement in June 2017. “Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor,” they said in a statement to the media. “He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years. This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject.”
This marked what seemed like the end of a highly celebrated 40-year career.
His retirement came just before the release of Phantom Thread (2017), for which he earned another Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Despite the critical acclaim, Day-Lewis shared that he experienced a deep sense of sadness while preparing for the role, likely contributing to his decision to retire.
As well, he hinted at the emotional toll acting took on him as a method actor, another factor that encouraged him to step away from his career.
Daniel Day-Lewis is teaming up with his son
Shocking fans once again, it was announced in October 2024 that Daniel Day-Lewis would return to acting with a new project directed by his artist son, Ronan. The film, Anemone, serves as the younger Day-Lewis’ directorial debut, and stars Sean Bean, Samantha Morton, Samuel Bottomley and Sofia Oakley-Green.
As per a press release from Focus Features, the father-son duo co-wrote the film, which “explores the intricate relationships between fathers, sons and brothers, and the dynamics of familial bonds.”
Focus Features Chairman Peter Kujawski said in the statement, “We could not be more excited to partner with a brilliant visual artist in Ronan Day-Lewis on his first feature film alongside Daniel Day-Lewis as his creative collaborator. They have written a truly exceptional script, and we look forward to bringing their shared vision to audiences alongside the team at Plan B.”
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We’re excited to see Daniel Day-Lewis back on the big screen soon!