In a surprise move, three-time Academy Award winner Daniel Day-Lewis is ending his seven-year retirement from acting to star in a film directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis. The movie, titled Anemone , marks Ronan's debut as a feature film director and is a collaborative effort between the father-son duo, who also co-wrote the screenplay.
The announcement was made by Focus Features and Plan B Entertainment, which are co-leading the project. Peter Kujawski, Chairman of Focus Features, expressed enthusiasm about working with Ronan Day-Lewis, praising him as a talented visual artist and highlighting the exceptional script crafted by the Day-Lewis duo.
The Film: 'Anemone'
Anemone is described as an exploration of the intricate relationships between fathers, sons, and brothers, as well as the dynamics of familial bonds. The film will feature Daniel Day-Lewis alongside seasoned actors Sean Bean and Samantha Morton. Recent sightings of Day-Lewis and Bean riding a motorcycle in Manchester, England, have further piqued interest in the project.
Ronan Day-Lewis, aged 26, is not only making his debut as a film director but is also a painter who has showcased his artwork in New York. His first international solo exhibition, 'That Summer We All Saw Them,' recently debuted in Hong Kong.
Daniel Day-Lewis's Retirement and Return
Daniel Day-Lewis announced his retirement from acting in 2017, shortly before receiving an Oscar nomination for his role in Paul Thomas Anderson's Phantom Thread . At the time, he expressed a deep-seated desire to quit acting, which he described as a necessity rather than a choice. This was not his first hiatus; he had previously taken time off to train as an apprentice with a famous shoemaker in Italy.
The actor's decision to return to acting for his son's film is significant, given his previous statements about the finality of his retirement. In a rare interview with W Magazine, Day-Lewis reflected on his lifelong passion for acting and the complexity of his decision to retire, indicating that the urge to quit had become an overwhelming compulsion.
Day-Lewis's return to the screen is met with anticipation, especially given his illustrious career, which includes Oscar wins for his roles in My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood , and Lincoln .
While the release date for Anemone has not been announced, the production team includes notable names such as Ben Fordesman as the director of photography, Jane Petrie as the costume designer, and Chris Oddy as the production designer.
The collaboration between Daniel and Ronan Day-Lewis on Anemone promises to be a unique and compelling project, blending the acting prowess of a legendary actor with the fresh perspective of a new director.
