Jim Sheridan Says Daniel Day-Lewis Hasn’t Changed His Mind On Retirement: “He’s Done”

Three-time Oscar-winner Daniel Day-Lewis is one of the greatest living actors working today, which is why it’s puzzling to many that he decided to leave the profession altogether following the making of the Paul Thomas Anderson film “Phantom Thread.” The acclaimed drama earned Day-Lewis his sixth Best Actor Oscar nomination, playing a dressmaker who falls in love and places himself in a power-struggle relationship with his romantic partner. Day-Lewis had actually un-retired to make the film in the first place but stuck with his decision afterward.

READ MORE: Daniel Day-Lewis Explains His Retirement From Acting

More recently, there had been rumors that he may return to acting, and even talk from directors trying to coax the living legend back to work in film. However, “My Left Foot” director Jim Sheridan is pouring cold water all over that speculation by relaying some interactions he’s recently had with Day-Lewis to Screen Daily. And it sounds like the current environment of streamers isn’t helping change his mind.

“He says he’s done. I keep talking to him,” the filmmaker told the oulet about Day-Lewis’ retirement status. “I’d love to do something with him again. He’s like everybody else. He opens up the streamers and there’s seven thousand choices, none of them are good. Film has been moved out of the public domain into a private domain—you have a remote, you can stop it. It’s not the same experience. It’d be great to see Daniel coming back and doing something because he’s so good.”

Of course, the Irish director would be in a good position to know where Day-Lewis stands after working with him on “In The Name of The Father,” “The Boxer,” and the previously mentioned “My Left Foot” which landed him his first of three Best Actor statues alongside awards for his performances in “There Will Be Blood” and “Lincoln.”

At the age of 66, many have hoped the actor would eventually have a change of heart in the future, but from the statements coming from Sheridan, it doesn’t sound likely. Perhaps, for our sanity, it’s best to assume Day-Lewis is finished with the industry and just enjoy the work he’s left us with. If he ever changes his mind, gets restless, and returns, it’ll be a cherry on top of an already fantastic career.