We look at the evidence and indications behind the internet’s latest rumour.
In case you missed it last Wednesday, the inimitable Daniel Day-Lewis announced that he is retiring from acting. In a very unceremonious fashion, that is typically humble of the actor, Day-Lewis released a statement to Variety that read:
"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. This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject."
The 60 year-old is a three time Oscar winner and the news of his retirement was met with great surprise. However, according to Page Six, sources say the actor was telling friends about his plans to retire as far back as three years ago.
“He’s so method, it takes him three years to prepare for a role,” said a source of the actor. “He was telling friends he really wanted to go out with a bang.”
Paul Thomas Anderson’s next film may just be that “bang”, which is reportedly called Phantom Thread and set in the fashion world of 1950s London. The new film will be released at Christmas and in it, Day-Lewis plays a dressmaker commissioned by royalty and high society. Anderson and Day-Lewis previously worked together on There Will Be Blood.
Reportedly, inspired by the role, Day-Lewis wants to pursue the profession and become a dressmaker off-screen after the movie.
While this could just be the rumour mill going into overdrive, it may be legit. After all, we know how intense the actor’s standard of method acting is, and he probably has done so much research and practise into the role that it could become a viable career path.
It’s also worth noting that in the 90s, Day-Lewis took a break from acting for a number of years to work as a cobbler - so he clearly has a passion for textiles.
What do you think of Daniel Day-Lewis’s apparent career move? Let us know in the comments.