Daniel Day-Lewis to Play Lincoln for Spielberg

By The Editors at MovieFone Posted Nov 20th 2010 02:12PM

Take note, Academy.

Though Steven Spielberg's Abraham Lincoln biopic has been delayed over the past several years, with Liam Neeson originally slated to play the 16th President of the United States before eventually dropping out because, as he suggested, "I'm past my sell-by date," the project is back on track, and making news.

This week, producers have announced that two-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis has officially signed on to portray Lincoln on the big screen.

Spielberg certainly seems to feel he has one legend taking on the role of another.

"Daniel Day-Lewis would have always been counted as one of the greatest of actors, were he from the silent era, the golden age of film or even some time in cinema's distant future. I am grateful and inspired that our paths will finally cross with 'Lincoln,'" said the director in a statement.

Indeed, could there be anyone in Hollywood better suited to play Lincoln than Day-Lewis?

He's one of only a handful of top-notch actors who has a way of losing himself in a role that goes far beyond expectations. The man is absolutely fascinating to watch on screen, and particularly in period films (such as 2002's 'Gangs of New York' and 2007's 'There Will Be Blood').

The long-awaited film, which Deadline says will begin filming next fall, will "focus on the political collision of Lincoln and the powerful men of his cabinet on the road to abolition and the end of the Civil War." The plan right now is to begin filming in time for a release during the 2012 awards season, and it's not jumping the gun to predict that 'Lincoln' is already a contender for Best Picture that year, even though we're months away from production. Tony Kushner, the writer behind 'Angels in America' and 'Munich,' is the screenwriter of the film adaptation based on the 2005 best-seller 'Team of Rivals,' written by Pulitzer-prize-winning historian (and 'Daily Show' favorite) Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Just the thought of the world's most famous director teaming up with arguably the world's finest actor should send shivers down the spine of every film fan alive. Count our opening day tickets already sold.

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Tags: Daniel Day-Lewis, steven spielberg

Comments

(22)

Saturday 20 November

By greg

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I would be more excited about it, if it was about Nathan Bedford Forrest.

By Doug

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huh?

By robert

cracker in the house

By Fred

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If you don't know who Forrest was, then you really shouldn't consider yourself knowledgeable about the period. Many consider Lincoln and Forrest the two most interesting characters of the War Between the States.

By ddmar76

Why not a film about Nathan Bedford Forrest? Novelist and Civil War historian, Shelby Foote, once stated that Nathan Bedford Forrest and Abraham Lincoln were the two authentic geniuses that arose during the Civil War.

By Rich

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On occasion I glance at these not real news articles on the entertainment page. First of all I was happy to see that an Abe Lincoln pic is in the works. I hope it protrays this horrible man as what he was. Secondly I could care less about Eva Longoria or who the sexiest man in the world is. What is important is a 10% unemployment rate, an influx of illegals taking what few jobs remain from Americans, and a president who don't know the first thing about running a country. But it's nice to read fluff now and again as I stated in opening.

By ofalaska

Horrible man? Huh? You sound like a hidious one!

By LJ

What the hell is wrong you?
You are a freaking jerk

By griffybox

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Daniel Day-Lewis is absolutely the best actor ever, he will be excellent as usual. I cannot wait for this film, I have always been interested in Lincoln.

By david

It's a shame they could not have gotten an American actor to play one of the greatest American Presidents

By diplobrat

Actors, especially great ones, are not constrained by nationality. Most English actors are better trained AS ACTORS, while American 'actors' are more accurately called 'Movie Stars'.

By jacko

How about trying Ben Stiller

By Marcia

I love Daniel Day Lewis' acting. He is terrific. He looks enough like Lincoln to play him. But - I don't think he is all that tall, is he? I hate when they have short actors play a real life tall person.

i agree with you about daniel day-lewis he is an excellent actor.but he cant be near lincolns height.

two crackers in the house

Daniel Day-Lewis is suburb in every role, and the stature of Lincoln (metaphorical) is a worthy goal for him to aspire to. Besides, haven't you noticed they can make people look any height at all now? Remember Xerxes in 300? Do you think he was really eight feet tall? Day-Lewis got ripped-off for Best Actor when he played Bill the Butcher in Gangs of New York, and should have at least THREE Oscars already!

By Whiskey

Can I play John Booth? Pretty pleeeeeease!!!!

By chorleydnc

Hey "ofalaska" Daniel Day-Lewis is "suburb" in every role....
I think you were thinking of Owen Wilson

By ingria

Mr. Day is a great actor. After "Blood" and previously "Gangs"
I have great respect for his talent and what he brings to the movie screen personas that he portrays.

However...I think that a President Lincoln casting would be fairly dull for him. He is much more of a physical actor and portraying intensely emotional characters.

I have doubts about this project being the right vehicle for him and do not look forward to a "historical education" movie experience.