Daniel Day-Lewis Returns to Acting. Anything to Star in a Unique Film

Eight years ago, after starring in the drama "Phantom Thread," Daniel Day-Lewis announced his retirement from acting through his publicist. He recently returned to the screen, starring in "Anemone," directed by his son, Ronan. In a new interview, the star revealed why he decided to return to the screen.

"Anemone" is a family project for the Day-Levises, Ronan's son and Daniel's father. Together, they wrote the screenplay for the story, which Ronan directed and Daniel starred in. For this role, the three-time Oscar winner decided to break his acting retirement, which he had been in since 2017. Until now, the star has remained silent on the situation surrounding his return to the big screen. Now, he's decided to make an exception.

Audiences will be able to see "Anemone" for the first time at the end of September. The drama will premiere at the New York Film Festival . On this occasion, Daniel Day-Lewis revealed to Rolling Stone why he returned to acting.

"I started to feel a certain sadness knowing that Ronan would continue to make films while I had stepped back. I thought, wouldn't it be great if we could do something together and find a way to manage it without the whole big production thing?" the actor says.

Day-Lewis doesn't hide his reservations about returning to the big screen. He considered writing the script and giving the role to someone else. His son, however, disagreed, refusing to engage in a production about a recluse living in northern England who is forced to confront his past when his brother visits. "Anemone" also stars Sean Bean, Samuel Bottomley, Safia Oakley-Green, and Samantha Morton.

"I was filled with fear and anxiety at the thought of returning to the world of film. I never stopped loving my job as an actor. However, there were certain aspects of the lifestyle that came with it that I couldn't come to terms with. After filming wrapped, I felt empty. I had known there would be a regeneration, but after 'Phantom Thread,' I began to think there would be no regeneration and I had nothing left to offer. But I shouldn't comment on that, because I never really intended to retire. I wanted to do something else," explains the "Gangs of New York" star.

The actor notes that this isn't the first time he's been accused of announcing retirement, only to return. He previously took a break between 1997 and 2002. He emphasizes that he never considered retirement. He simply wanted to give up one job to pursue another.