First look of Daniel Day-Lewis in his first role in 8 years, Anemone revealed 

Daniel Day-Lewis has returned to acting in a feature film, Anemone. It is his first performance in eight years since he announced his retirement from the silver screen in 2017. The return has received much attention since Day-Lewis is considered among the most renowned actors, who has won the Best Actor Oscar three times.

Anemone's first appearance has now been revealed, with Day-Lewis sporting a mustache and close-cropped hair with a gray tone, looking upwards, as Sean Bean makes an appearance in the background. The film's premise and the first official poster came from Focus Features. They posted on X, noting:

"Three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis returns to the screen with ANEMONE, directed by Ronan Day-Lewis. Also starring Sean Bean and Samantha Morton."

Anemone is set to have its world premiere at the New York Film Festival prior to releasing in theaters in October 2025. The announcement concludes a well-known era of hiatus after Day-Lewis's public retirement following his work in Phantom Thread. Rumors confirm that his comeback is a great cinematic moment, not just because of his reputation, but also because this new work is a family affair.

Day-Lewis shared the scriptwriting duties with his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who is also debuting behind the camera. Anemone deals with family conflicts involving fathers, sons, and brothers, and boasts a familiar supporting cast.

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Day-Lewis's return after retirement

Daniel Day-Lewis made his retirement announcement after the release of Phantom Thread in 2017. Over the next several years, he stayed away from the public eye and didn't involve himself with new movie efforts.

Day-Lewis discussed why he made this choice in interviews, discussing a need to find value in what he was doing and feeling that this had disappeared. There were no acting roles until Anemone was officially revealed in 2024, when production photos made the rounds on the internet.

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What is the plot of Anemone?

Anemone is directed by Daniel's son, Ronan Day-Lewis, and the screenplay was a collaborative effort between them. The film takes place in Northern England and traces the life of a middle-aged man, played by Sean Bean, who reconnects with his estranged brother, played by Daniel Day-Lewis.

The official synopses as per the film festival program notes read as:

“The Northern England–set Anemone begins as a middle-aged man (Bean) sets out from his suburban home on a journey into the woods, where he reconnects with his estranged hermit brother (Day-Lewis). Bonded by a mysterious, complicated past, the men share a fraught, if occasionally tender relationship—one that was forever altered by shattering events decades earlier. An emotional powerhouse, this directorial debut is assured in both small details and grand gestures as it charts the path toward familial redemption against all odds. In addition to its unflinching lead performances, Anemone features standout supporting work from Morton and Bottomley, and sensationally expressive widescreen cinematography by Ben Fordesman.”

Samantha Morton and Samuel Bottomley also feature in the cast, with the inclusion of key crew in costume and production design.

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Production and release schedule

Anemone is being released by Focus Features. Production for the film started in October 2024 in Manchester, England, with its shoot featuring on-location work in Chester. Local media reported some disruptions in the area because of parked prop cars on set.

The film will open at the New York Film Festival and then have a limited U.S. release on October 3, 2025. The film will then have a wider theatrical rollout on October 10, 2025.

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Industry and audience response

Daniel Day-Lewis's comeback has created buzz in the film industry and among audiences. Focus Features and the film's producers highlighted the singular creative collaboration between Daniel and Ronan Day-Lewis.

Although Anemone is Ronan's directorial debut, it is also the first time Oscar-winning actor Daniel stars in a movie written and directed by his son.

Industry reaction, as reported by Deadline, emphasizes Day-Lewis's past retirements and the importance of the return of his work. It is uncertain if the film will mark a complete comeback for Day-Lewis to acting or be an isolated incident.

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Stay tuned for more updates!