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The first new look at Daniel Day-Lewis in Anemone, his first film role since 2017, has been released. Day-Lewis previously retired following the release of Paul Thomas Anderson’s Phantom Thread in 2017.
Anemone comes with a bit of a caveat, however, as it’s directed by his 27-year-old son Ronan Day-Lewis in his directorial debut.
The synopsis for Anemone provided by Focus Features is brief, as the official website simply says the movie “explores the complex and profound ties that exist between brothers, fathers, and sons.”
According to Focus Features, the film will premiere at the New York Film Festival in September. In addition to Day-Lewis, Anemone also stars Sean Bean, Samuel Bottomley, Safia Oakley-Green and Samantha Morton.
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.
Premiering at this year’s New York Film Festival. #NYFF63 pic.twitter.com/8N9hVzRrha— Focus Features (@FocusFeatures) August 12, 2025
“Getting Daniel Day-Lewis in your debut feature because he’s your dad might be the most powerful use of nepotism we’ve ever seen,” one viral tweet said of the project.
“Using your nepotism to bring Daniel Day-Lewis out of retirement is the correct and right thing to do,” another popular post agreed.
Getting Daniel Day-Lewis in your debut feature because he’s your dad might be the most powerful use of nepotism we’ve ever seen https://t.co/Yumeo0aPet
— bailey (@baileylikemovie) August 12, 2025
using your nepotism to bring daniel day lewis out of retirement is the correct and right thing to do https://t.co/DIiw91av0Z
— jay (@kendallhosseini) August 12, 2025
The 68-year-old Day-Lewis is widely considered to be one of the greatest actors of all time and has three Academy Awards for Best Actor (My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood, Lincoln) four BAFTA Awards and three SAG Awards to his name.