Daniel Day-Lewis Makes His Long-Awaited Comeback in First ‘Anemone’ Trailer
Daniel Day-Lewis is officially returning to the big screen after an eight-year break, and fans got their first look at his new film, Anemone, with the release of the first trailer.
According to Focus Features, the drama is directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, and was co-written by the pair. The story explores emotional relationships between fathers, sons, and brothers. “This marks Daniel’s first role since Phantom Thread in 2017,” Focus Features said.
Daniel Day-Lewis is back.
— Focus Features (@FocusFeatures) August 21, 2025
ANEMONE directed by Ronan Day-Lewis, also starring Sean Bean and Samantha Morton. Only in theaters October 3. pic.twitter.com/3wBo1svVtJ
The movie also stars Sean Bean, Samantha Morton, Samuel Bottomley, and Safia Oakley-Green. It is set to premiere at the 63rd New York Film Festival before opening in select U.S. theaters on October 3, 2025, and expanding nationwide on October 10.
News of the project first emerged in September 2024 when Daniel Day-Lewis’ return to acting was announced. Ronan Day-Lewis, already attached as director, worked closely with his father on the story.
The production team includes Jane Petrie as costume designer and Chris Oddy as production designer. Filming began on October 1, 2024, in Manchester but ran into a minor hiccup later that month in Handbridge, Chester, when 1980s prop cars used in filming were ticketed for parking on double-yellow lines.
A spokesperson for Cheshire West and Chester Council explained that “the clearance did not include the prop cars,” and a full road closure was denied because it would be “too disruptive for residents.”
Details about the plot and performances are mostly being kept secret, but the father-son collaboration has already generated a lot of excitement. “Billed as a heartfelt drama, Anemone will be Daniel’s first collaboration with his son and could be one of the most talked-about films of the year,” Focus Features said.
After years of keeping a low profile, Daniel Day-Lewis’ return has fans buzzing. With a strong cast, experienced crew, and a unique family connection at its heart, Anemone is shaping up to be a major cinematic event, with audiences getting the first glimpse thanks to the newly released trailer.
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