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Daniel Day-Lewis Cast as Abraham Lincoln in Spielberg's Biopic!

by Ethan Anderton
November 19, 2010

Since the project has been gestating for years now, it wasn't much of a surprise when we learned that Liam Neeson was no longer attached to Steven Spielberg's biopic of Abraham Lincoln, the iconic 16th President of the United States. Before his departure from the project was official though, Spielberg assured us that his take on the president's life was still on the way. Since then we've heard that the director would next tackle an adaptation of the forthcoming sci-fi book Robopocalypse, but a press release from DreamWorks pegs Spielberg as directing the biopic in the fall of 2011 and reveals that the stellar Daniel Day-Lewis will play Abraham Lincoln. Brilliant!

Today Spielberg announced the news himself with Stacey Snider, Co-Chairman and CEO of DreamWorks. The director said, “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." Snider followed by saying, "Throughout his career, he has been exceptionally selective in his choice of material which makes us feel even more fortunate that he has chosen to join with us for Lincoln." Now that they've snagged Daniel Day-Lewis, apparently they're planning to release the film late in 2012 (likely around awards season).

If you don't recall, the biopic will be adapted from the historian Doris Kearns Goodwin's book Team of Rivals, with Oscar nominated writer Tony Kushner (who wrote Munich for Spielberg) behind the script. The film is said to focus on he political collision of Lincoln and the powerful men of his cabinet on the road to abolition and the end of the Civil War. This is quite a historical time for the United States and this will be the first time such a massive film will focus solely on the life of Abraham Lincoln. Daniel Day-Lewis is inspired casting for the Honest Abe, so I'm hoping this project really does get off the ground next year. How about you?

Filed under Casting, Movie News, Opinions

From around the web:

trb

Excellent. Daniel Day Lewis is a perfect match.
Jericho

i prefer to see him in 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter' but i guess i can settle with this
bart

Maybe a nit pick, but is he tall enough? Lincoln's height had him literally towering over his rivals, which was in direct correlation to his political success. Day-Lewis is an extremely talented actor, but they'll need him standing on a crate the whole shoot.
T

YES!
Kevin

I thought Liam Neeson was perfect casting, but this might be even better. #3, watch Gangs of New York... he might not actually be tall but they were able to make me look like a giant in that movie... he even appears to be taller than Leo in it and Leo's like 6 ft something.
bart

Day-Lewis is not short, but when the DVD is released and "the making of" is seen, there will be a 2"-3" platform wherever he's standing. Plus I'm just pissed it's no Neeson - he was literally perfect for the role. It's funny that an Irishmen abandoned the role, only to leave it to a half Brit half Irishmen.
Voice of Reason

WHAT THE WHAT?!?!?! Fantastique.....I was very ho-hum about this project, but Day-Lewis has my complete attention. Damn you Spielberg, you WILL get more of my money BUT I still won't forgive you for Crystal Skull......jerk.
Concourse D

I knew it!!!
harm

Lincoln was 6'4" barefoot. Day-Lewis is 6'1.25" That height will be easily achieved via a top hat inserts in the shoes and other bits of movie magic.
germs

I guess I shouldn't be complaining, but I thought Neeson was perfect and wish he was still doing it.
Xerxex

awesomeness!
http://www.myspace.com/shero_rauf/blog shero

As for the actors ... I think Daniel Day-Lewis bring more action and activate the events ... I believe he is one of the most brilliant actors ever ... his acting is full of action and you can feel the emotions more stronger in his acting ... As for Liam Neeson ... As much as I respect him .. and I think he is a good actor ... But he is a bit boring ... don't take me in wrong way ... But his acting is almost the same voice and he is not using the muscles of his face !! ... I believe everyone respect both actors ... But the main element is ... Day-Lewis can surprise us by the way he become the character ... In the other side Neeson is the same character over and over again ... !!! That is why I prefer Day-Lewis
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/2408/blackbabyjesus.gif Crapola

Spoiler. He dies at the end. Abe Lincoln was a right on motherfucker. Probably why he got iced by gangbangers. Looking forward to it, Day Lewis can act like no other thesp alive. He be acting his ass round Tom Cruise and Beau Bridges and shiiiiiit.
Ross

Was expecting this would be neesons Oscar. If Its in any way good Lewis will probably get one
Cracky

This seems kind of... Easy. DDL in a Lincoln bio-pic? I won't even have to WATCH the Oscars that year. Whereas: If this was Liam, there would actually be a goal to reach for and at least a bit of anticipation... this would be Neeson's Gandhi for god sake. But DDL is a badass. Cheers to him.
Andrew

This man should not stop until he has as many Oscars as Walt Disney. He'd deserve every one of them.
tir na nog

The dreamteam:Spileberg and Day-lewis.
JimD

Wow well you cant get much better then Daniel Day Lewis.
crumb

When I read the headline, I laughed and yelled, "fuck yea!" without any meaning too. I am that excited for this. DDL is the best actor alive ATM, and Spielberg is, well, Spielberg.
John

Day-Lewis was my first pick after Neeson left the project!
I am...

No no no #20, DDL was MY 1st pick once I heard that Neeson was leaving, don't try to take the credit for Spielberg listening to me loll!
John Doe

So, they replace a pretty damn good choice in Neeson, for a possibly even better one in Lewis? Cool.
Django3000

Is this like the Seventh Seal opening or something? Day Lewis working together with Spielberg? Should I hide my children, even though they don't exist yet?
Sean

One of my absolute favorite actors; this just shot up to my most anticipated movie list!
http://www.nutsforet.com Warren

Daniel Day Lewis is a perfect for Lincoln. I'm looking forward to this movie.