The only actor to have won three Best Actor Oscars, Daniel Day-Lewis, may be making a return to the silver screen. He has been spotted on the set of his son’s debut feature film, sparking rumors of a comeback for the legendary actor.
In 2017, Day-Lewis shocked the world by announcing his retirement from acting after the release of Paul Thomas Anderson’s *Phantom Thread*. He had already won the Academy Award for Best Actor three times, for *My Left Foot* (1990), *There Will Be Blood* (2008), and *Lincoln* (2013), making him the only performer to ever achieve this feat. Day-Lewis, known for his meticulous method acting and dedication to his roles, is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation. He has also starred in iconic films such as *The Last of the Mohicans*, *In the Name of the Father*, *The Age of Innocence*, and *Gangs of New York*.
Now, seven years after his retreat from the cameras, the celebrated actor has been seen on the set of a film titled *The Proper Care of Animals* (some sources refer to it as *The Birdcatcher*). This is the directorial debut of his 26-year-old son, Ronan Day-Lewis, a painter whose debut international solo exhibition opens today in Hong Kong. The father and son wrote the screenplay together, and the film reportedly delves into the complex dynamics of familial bonds. It also stars Sean Bean, Samantha Morton, Samuel Bottomley, and Safia Oakley-Green.
Day-Lewis, sporting a stylish handlebar moustache and riding a motorcycle in Manchester, might be making his big return to the screen, even if it’s just a cameo role. Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “We could not be more excited to partner with a brilliant visual artist in Ronan Day-Lewis on his first feature film alongside Daniel Day-Lewis as his creative collaborator. They have written a truly exceptional script, and we look forward to bringing their shared vision to audiences alongside the team at Plan B.”
This wouldn’t be the first time Day-Lewis has retired from acting. The 67-year-old actor initially stepped away from the profession after *The Boxer* (1997) to pursue a career as a cobbler. He moved to Italy, apprenticed with renowned shoemaker Stefano Bemer, and dedicated himself to shoemaking. However, he returned to the big screen five years later when director Jim Sheridan convinced him to star in *The Quiet Man*.
Interestingly, just last year, Martin Scorsese hinted at collaborating with Day-Lewis for one more film. During the National Board of Review awards ceremony, he said, “We did two films together and it’s one of the greatest experiences of my life… Maybe there’s time for one more. Maybe!”
Fans eagerly await the release of *The Proper Care of Animals*, which does not yet have a confirmed release date. The possibility of Day-Lewis’ return to acting, even if it’s a limited role, has generated immense excitement and curiosity among film enthusiasts worldwide.
