[Trailer] Daniel Day-Lewis Returns to the Screen After Eight Years in Upcoming Drama ‘Anemone’
Daniel Day-Lewis is making a highly anticipated return to the big screen after an eight-year break, and Focus Features has released the first trailer for his new film, Anemone.
The drama is directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, and tells a story about the complex relationships between brothers, fathers, and sons.
According to Focus Features, Ronan wrote the movie with help from his father, making this their first collaboration. Anemone will have its world premiere at the 63rd New York Film Festival before opening in select theaters in the U.S. on October 3, 2025, with a wider release on October 10.
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 cast also includes Sean Bean, Samantha Morton, Samuel Bottomley, and Safia Oakley-Green. This marks Daniel’s first acting role since his retirement after the 2017 film Phantom Thread.
News of his return first surfaced in September 2024, with Ronan already attached as director. The two worked closely to shape the story, adding a personal, family-driven layer to the film. The production team also includes Jane Petrie as costume designer and Chris Oddy as production designer. Filming began on October 1, 2024, in Manchester.
The shoot ran into a small hiccup later that month in Handbridge, Chester. Several 1980s prop cars used for the film received parking tickets because they were left on double-yellow lines.
A spokesperson for Cheshire West and Chester Council explained that technical support vehicles had permission to park in restricted areas, but the clearance did not cover the prop cars. A request for a full road closure was also denied because it would have been “too disruptive” for local residents.
While details about the story and performances are being kept under wraps, the father-son collaboration has already drawn major attention.
The first trailer offers a glimpse of the film’s emotional depth and has fans excited for Daniel Day-Lewis’ return. Anemone is expected to be one of the most talked-about films of the year, combining a strong cast with a heartfelt story and a unique family connection at its core.
Focus Features provided information about the film’s production and release schedule, while the new trailer gives audiences their first look at Daniel back in action.
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