Sep 13, 2025, 11:01 PM
Sep 11, 2025, 12:00 AM

Daniel Day-Lewis reveals his true intentions about retirement

Highlights
  • Daniel Day-Lewis is returning to acting in a movie he co-wrote with his son.
  • He initially announced his retirement following the 2017 film 'Phantom Thread.'
  • Day-Lewis clarified he never truly intended to retire from acting.
Story

In an unexpected revelation, Daniel Day-Lewis has stated that he never genuinely intended to retire from acting. This announcement comes eight years after he initially expressed his plans to step back from the film industry following the release of his 2017 movie, 'Phantom Thread.' The 68-year-old actor is set to star in 'Anemone,' a film that he co-wrote with his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who has taken on the role of director. The movie is scheduled to be released next month and explores complex family relationships, particularly the bonds among brothers, fathers, and sons. Reflecting on his decision to retire, Day-Lewis admitted that he would have been better off keeping his intentions to himself, as he considers his previous statements to be overly dramatic. He clarified that while he formally announced his retirement, he merely paused his acting career to pursue different types of projects. Day-Lewis and his son began writing the script for 'Anemone' in 2020, stemming from a desire to collaborate and create a film that did not require the extensive resources typically associated with major productions. As they developed the script, doubts arose regarding Day-Lewis' willingness to return to acting. Initially, he expressed reservations and anxiety about re-entering the public eye, even though he had always enjoyed the craft of acting. He acknowledged the emotional toll of filmmaking, stating that the lifestyle often left him feeling hollow. Nevertheless, it became apparent that his son was committed to not proceeding with the project unless Day-Lewis agreed to take part. Ultimately, Day-Lewis decided to return to acting for this project, driven by a desire to work alongside his son and to explore the themes encapsulated in their writing. His journey back to acting is marked by a blend of apprehension and excitement, as he navigates the complexities of returning to an industry he has both cherished and found challenging over the years.

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