Daniel Day-Lewis Ends Retirement for Son's Directorial Debut 'Anemone'

Daniel Day-Lewis, the renowned actor known for his intense method acting and selective career choices, is set to make a surprising return to the silver screen after a seven-year hiatus. The three-time Academy Award winner will star in "Anemone", a film directed by his son Ronan Day-Lewis.

Focus Features and Plan B announced their partnership on this intriguing project, which marks Ronan Day-Lewis' directorial debut. The 26-year-old, primarily known as a painter with exhibitions in New York and Hong Kong, has co-written the script with his father. The film also features Sean Bean and Samantha Morton in prominent roles.

"Anemone" is currently in production and explores the intricate dynamics of familial bonds, particularly focusing on relationships between fathers, sons, and brothers. This theme resonates deeply with the Day-Lewis family, as Daniel Day-Lewis himself is the son of Poet Laureate Cecil Day-Lewis and actress Jill Balcon.

Recently, Daniel Day-Lewis and Sean Bean were spotted riding a motorbike through Manchester, England, fueling speculation about the actor's return to the craft. This sighting marks a rare public appearance for Day-Lewis, who has been known for his privacy and selective public engagements since his retirement.

The actor's last on-screen appearance was in Paul Thomas Anderson's "Phantom Thread" in 2017, after which he announced his retirement from acting. At the time, Day-Lewis stated, "All my life, I've mouthed off about how I should stop acting, and I don't know why it was different this time, but the impulse to quit took root in me, and that became a compulsion. It was something I had to do."

Despite his retirement, Day-Lewis made a surprise appearance at the National Board of Review Awards in January 2024 to present an award to Martin Scorsese, with whom he had collaborated on "Gangs of New York" (2002) and "The Age of Innocence" (1993).

Daniel Day-Lewis' return to acting is significant given his illustrious career and reputation for immersive method acting. He is the only actor to have won three Academy Awards for Best Actor and is known for his intense preparation for roles. For instance, he learned to build wooden houses and became a skilled butcher for his role in "There Will Be Blood" (2007).

The actor's selective approach to roles is evident in his filmography, having starred in only six films since 1998. This selectivity extends to his personal life as well, with Day-Lewis rarely giving interviews and maintaining a high level of privacy.

Peter Kujawski, chair of Focus Features, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "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."

As "Anemone" continues production, film enthusiasts and critics alike eagerly anticipate the return of one of cinema's most celebrated actors in a project that promises to be both personal and profound.

This unexpected collaboration between father and son adds another intriguing chapter to Daniel Day-Lewis' remarkable career, which has spanned decades and earned him numerous accolades, including four BAFTA Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role. As the film industry eagerly awaits more details about "Anemone", it's clear that this project represents not just a return to acting for Day-Lewis, but also a deeply personal artistic endeavor shared with his son.