- Iconic actor has been retired for the past seven years
- Ronan Day-Lewis is making his directorial debut with this new film
- Day-Lewis’ are a rare combination – a son directing his father in a movie
After being retired for seven years, Daniel Day-Lewis has been tempted back in front of the camera to be directed by his son.
Collaboration
Daniel will star in the forthcoming film Anemone, which is being directed by Ronan Day-Lewis – his first film in the director’s chair. The father and son duo also co-wrote the film, which has been described as an exploration of the intricate relationships between fathers, sons and brothers.
As well as Daniel, other stars confirmed in the cast include Sean Bean, Samantha Morton and Safia Oakley-Green.
Daniel has won three best actor Oscars in his career, for My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood and Lincoln. He is often regarded as one of the best actors of his generation. But he retired after starring in the 2017 film Phantom Thread. At the time, he released a short statement saying: “Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor. He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years.”
Sons directing fathers
But it appears the lure of working with his son was too tempting to turn down. The Day-Lewis’ are the latest in a long line of fathers and sons to collaborate on movies.
While many fathers and sons have appeared on screen together over the years – often playing fathers and sons – it is rarer for a son to direct their father. But there are a few instances over the years.
For instance, Emilio Estevez directed The Way in 2010, which starred his father, Martin Sheen. The film focused on a character walking a traditional pilgrimage route in France and Spain.
In addition, Ben Stiller directed his father, Jerry, in the 2001 film Zoolander. Ben also starred as the titular character, while Jerry played his agent.
