Daniel Day-Lewis, the legendary three-time Academy Award winner, is stepping out of retirement for a new project directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis. The upcoming film, titled Anemone, will be the actor’s first movie since his self-imposed break following 2017’s Phantom Thread. The announcement comes as a surprise to fans, as Day-Lewis had previously indicated that his role in Phantom Thread would be his last.
The father-son collaboration on Anemone is significant for more than just the return of Day-Lewis to the screen; it also marks his first foray into screenwriting. The pair co-wrote the script, which explores complex themes of family dynamics, particularly focusing on the relationships between fathers, sons, and brothers. Set to be distributed by Universal Pictures International, Anemone is being produced by Focus Features and Plan B, making it a highly anticipated project in both the independent and mainstream film communities.
Ronan Day-Lewis, 26, is an emerging filmmaker with a couple of short films under his belt. Anemone will be his feature film debut, and he’s recruited an impressive cast to support his father. Actors Sean Bean, Samantha Morton, Samuel Bottomley, and Safia Oakley-Green will also star, though specific details about their roles have yet to be released.
The film’s production team includes several experienced collaborators, such as Ben Fordesman, known for his work on Love Lies Bleeding, and Jane Petrie, the costume designer for The Crown. Their involvement hints at a high level of artistic craftsmanship that fans can look forward to when the film eventually hits the big screen.
Daniel Day-Lewis, 67, had previously declared his intention to retire from acting in 2017. The decision was met with disappointment from fans and critics alike, considering his stellar career and reputation for choosing demanding, transformative roles. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation, having won Oscars for his roles in My Left Foot (1989), There Will Be Blood (2007), and Lincoln (2012). Despite stepping away from the limelight, Day-Lewis has occasionally made public appearances, such as honoring longtime collaborator Martin Scorsese at the 2024 National Board of Review Awards Gala.
In a statement, Focus Features Chairman Peter Kujawski expressed his excitement about the project, saying, “We could not be more thrilled 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.”
While there is currently no set timeline for the start of principal photography or a release date, industry experts speculate that if filming begins soon, Anemone could be part of the prestigious film festival circuit in 2025, setting the stage for a potential awards season run.
Fans of Day-Lewis, as well as those intrigued by Ronan’s budding career, will be eager to see what the father-son duo delivers in Anemone. Given Day-Lewis’s history of commitment to his craft and Ronan’s promising directorial debut, expectations are high for this intimate family drama.
Stay tuned for further updates as the project develops.