Daniel Day-Lewis to come out of retirement from acting to star in son’s film

Sir Daniel Day-Lewis is set to come out of his retirement from acting to star in his son’s directorial debut.

The British star is a triple Oscar winner, named best actor for his performances in My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood, and Lincoln, widely regarded as one of the greatest stars of his generation.

He announced he was quitting acting after his appearance in Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2017 film Phantom Thread, based on the fashion world of 1950s London, for which he was also nominated for the Academy Award.

The 67-year-old has since largely avoided public life, although did make a suprise appearance at the National Board of Review Awards in January to present US filmmaker Martin Scorsese with a prize.

He also attended a screening of his wife Rebecca Miller’s film, She Came To Me, in New York in 2023.

Now, Sir Daniel is set to star in Anemone, directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, according to US independent production company Focus Features.

The father and son duo wrote the screenplay, which is described as an exploration of the relationships between fathers, sons and brothers, and “the dynamics of familial bonds”.

Sean Bean, Samantha Morton, Samuel Bottomley and Safia Oakley-Green will also star in the film, which will be produced by Focus Features and Plan B.

“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,” said Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski in a statement.

“They have written a truly exceptional script, and we look forward to bringing their shared vision to audiences alongside the team at Plan B.”

Sir Daniel first starred on screen as a teenager in Sunday Bloody Sunday in 1971, before appearing in several memorable period drama roles.

He is known for playing Hawkeye in Michael Mann’s 1992 epic The Last Of The Mohicans, and was also nominated for Oscars for his performances in Gangs Of New York and In The Name Of The Father.

The star was knighted for his services to drama by Prince William in 2014.

In June 2017, his retirement from acting was announced in a statement given by representative Leslee Dart, who said: “Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor.

“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.”

Sir Daniel is yet to publicly comment on his new role.