FIRST LOOK
First Look: Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln from Spielberg's New Movie
by Alex Billington
November 30, 2011
Spielberg is on a roll, finishing up War Horse and Tintin for release, and already in production on his next film Lincoln. While I'm excited for War Horse, Lincoln already has me just as excited, mostly to see how Daniel Day-Lewis will play our 16th President, since we know he's a full-on method actor. I saw a tweet the other day mention that apparently Day-Lewis hasn't broken his accent since March, or something to that effect. I've been waiting for a first look and here we are - this should instantly make you go "whoa!" A photo is making the rounds (via Richmond/SlashFilm) of Day-Lewis out dining with the full-on beard. Awesome.
Here's the photo snapped in Richmond, Virginia, where Lincoln is currently shooting. A tweet to us adds: "We should see a lot this week, they have turned the state Capitol into the White House and it looks great."
Steven Spielberg's Lincoln, which is currently shooting already, stars Daniel Day-Lewis (My Left Foot, Gangs of New York, There Will Be Blood) as our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, and focuses on the last four months of his life, guiding the North to victory during the Civil War. The cast includes Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jackie Earle Haley, Lee Pace, John Hawkes, Walton Goggins, Hal Holbrook, Tim Blake Nelson and David Oyelowo. The film has a screenplay most recently by Oscar nominee Tony Kushner (Angels in America, Munich). It's expected to get a late 2012 debut after the elections, but for the moment is filming in Virginia. Looking forward to seeing more, expect this to be another Spielberg epic.
52 Comments
2
There is no doubt that DDL is a brilliant actor. Daniel Day-lewis Abraham Lincoln (2012) Movie Shooting Photos Leaked: http://su.pr/2yqoFs
kanagaraj k on Dec 1, 2011
3
Not bad...Day Lewis will be excellent as Lincoln.
Xerxexx on Nov 30, 2011
4
Daniel Day-Lewis is an amazing actor. He seems to really get into his roles. He should be great as Lincoln.
Anonymous on Nov 30, 2011
5
It looks good, but I do wish that Liam Neeson was still in it
Kyle on Nov 30, 2011
6
He would have done a great job with the role, but Honestly, I don't think theres anyone better that Daniel Day Lewis for this.
RhythmDave on Nov 30, 2011
8
Spielberg and day-lewis is a win for me,two geniuses.I thought Liam neeson was pretty serious and committed to doing it but thats obviously changed.
tir na nog on Nov 30, 2011
9
Liam Neeson and Daniel Day Lewis are on two different levels. Show some respect.
Doug on Apr 6, 2012
10
why he is wearing jeans??
stfugtfo on Nov 30, 2011
11
its called taking a break to eat
andrew on Nov 30, 2011
12
its not called being historically accurate....oh wait i forgot it's a spielberg film
stfugtfo on Nov 30, 2011
13
So even while he is on a break he should dress the part?
Anonymous on Dec 1, 2011
14
Well apparentlly he hasn't broken his Lincoln accent since March... so he IS very dedicated to his work.
rennmaxbeta on Dec 2, 2011
15
Yeah exactly, and what's with the sneakers and the turtleneck sweater? Man, this movie is going to be bad as hell! Come on dude, you must be joking
Hans Kleinenberg on Dec 1, 2011
16
Moron,...He's on break
Zoso25 on Apr 6, 2012
17
you're an idiot. Its not a still from the movie.
Imnotokay on Dec 1, 2011
18
Spielberg is typically really good with historical accuracy, but it's all irrelevant to Daniel Day Lewis eating breakfast before going on set.
erkx57 on Mar 28, 2012
19
he certainly looks the part!
Nick S. on Nov 30, 2011
20
"I free your slaves!"
Bigfatimac on Nov 30, 2011
21
"I free them up!"
Xerxexx on Dec 1, 2011
22
Lincoln freed Obama?
Masspijoe on Jun 5, 2012
23
I gotta admired this guy for how he dedicated so much for his roles.
truong18 on Nov 30, 2011
25
The movie is about the last few months of Lincoln's life. He visited Richmond and Petersburg in the weeks before he was assassinated, including the Confederate Capitol Building, which is the current Virginia Capitol. I don't think that Spielberg is using that building as a stand-in for anything, but is filming a recreation of Lincoln's visit to Richmond and that very building at the very end of the Civil War. Just read the book "Team of Rivals" which the movie is based on.
JimHeaphy52 on Nov 30, 2011
26
Tomorrow is the last day filming at Petersburg (Old Towne). They shot in Old Towne for a week, Tues - Mon, I believe and were in Richmond for near a month, mostly in the heart of it with a day or so at Maymont (in Richmond). They shot in other areas too, I heard some farm in Powhatan, somewhere in Goochland or Mechanicsville for battle scenes. I have some friends who were hired on as extras, so got to hear a little bit about things. Last day filming in Virginia tomorrow. 🙁 One day after Spielberg's 65th birthday. I wonder if he had intended to be done here by that date...just missed it. There's an article in Richmond's Style Weekly that have some decent photos. Someone found a high up spot and got a lot of photos, there's a link to his Smugmug account so you can see them all. Spielberg is in a couple, not DDL (I don't think)
steph on Dec 18, 2011
27
I immediately think of Steve Jobs when I see that outfit... however, can't wait!
HB on Nov 30, 2011
28
29
wheres the mole?
Dabaki on Nov 30, 2011
30
CGI the mole
Gabriel Ortiz on Dec 1, 2011
31
I thought he quit acting for good. Moved to Italy to become a shoe maker. Pfft.
Chris Batty on Nov 30, 2011
32
Nice! I just ate at The Arcadia last weekend...I'll be checking out the capital this weekend to see the transformation that's been made. I know they haven't mowed the lawn since August.
peloquin on Nov 30, 2011
33
Damn...he's got the look locked down. Can't wait to see it in action!
George S. on Nov 30, 2011
34
Good Lord he look's just like him!
Seanmerlino on Nov 30, 2011
35
Bastard from a basket!
Horseflesh on Nov 30, 2011
36
lol lol bastard from a basket drainege lol lol
shsh on Jul 24, 2012
37
I smell Oscar is done right. I just hope Steven does history as it was and doesn't do the film an injustice with his positive spin. Although I know Steven is great with history.
Johnny Neat on Nov 30, 2011
38
Oh My God this will be awesome. Daniel Day Lewis is such an outstanding actor.
john s on Nov 30, 2011
39
DDL is a rediculously talented actor. I can't wait to see this. I only noticed two differences between the pics of DDL and Abe: 1) DDL looks healthy whereas Abe looks sickly 2) the hair styles are different (but I'm sure the set's stylist will give DDL Abe's 'a cat just ran through my hair' look when filming). In any case, this is going to be an epic film.
Gabriel Ortiz on Dec 1, 2011
40
com'on know we all know Lincoln was a black man ,,,
alkalitta on Dec 1, 2011
41
An actor whose on-screen intensity is rivaled only by his off-screen intensity, Daniel Day-Lewis is one of the most acclaimed and private performers of his generation. Daniel Interview WATCH ! on youtube http://adf.ly/3yn6Y
joseph on Dec 1, 2011
42
Uncanny resemblence....looking forward to the movie.
John Archer26 on Dec 2, 2011
43
I am very excited to see this movie..I have already experienced them filming it up and close..and my Fiance has even shaken Mr. Steven's hand...Guess I was lucky enough to be working so close to the State Capital...lol
Ebgreen8987 on Dec 3, 2011
44
One of my favorite US Presidents of all time for me. Can't wait to see the movie.
AHox on Dec 9, 2011
45
Give me the actors for Salmon P. Chase, Gideon Wells, Robert E. Lee and John Wilkes Booth. That's what the real history buff wants to see.....I read the book. Thaddeus Stevens, Fernando Wood, etc. I don't get this.......
JLU44 on Dec 10, 2011
46
Prarrie lawyer, family man, statesman, military leader, story teller, melancholic, father of the nation. The task of presenting Lincoln in all his facets is truly monumental. The ingredients are there for a great movie.
Lincoln man on Dec 24, 2011
47
I worked on the movie as an contraband Steven came over to me as me a question we both laughed he is truly a great person and now. My friend. Also Adam is a very hard working Director also one of the best in film. Guys can't wait to do it again(smile) Duke
Burton1955 on Jan 29, 2012
48
I can't wait to see this film. Wow, Daniel Day does it again...I hope. The Tim Burton vampire rendition of Lincoln looks cool too.
Paul N on Mar 10, 2012
49
Daniel day is the man, when I saw this pic of him dining you already know he left the set to eat, not even breaking character, I call it now that hell win the grandaddy of knicknacks this next year, he's made this role his btch, and played it like a fiddle
Steve Mccoy23 on Mar 26, 2012
50
Hell, if you think the DDL pic is good (eating at Hill Cafe), then too bad you weren't working and watching DDL at is craft. Lincoln is going to be great and many thanks to Spielberg (Boss) for filming here in Richmond. Being a part of "Lincoln" was pretty Bitchin'. Can't wait to see the final edit... Due out - Dec 2012
Jsmills1962 on Apr 16, 2012
51
Few know that when Lincoln visited Richmond, it was as a tourist so he wore a turtle neck and jeans like he did before becoming president. He was trying out a knew hairdoo, too. It caught on; later to become known as the D.A.
Jpharis on May 21, 2012
52
DDL best actor ever , any role , ill watch this just to see him act
madjak on Jul 20, 2012
New comments are no longer allowed on this post.
FEATURED POSTS
FOLLOW FS HERE
Follow Alex's main account on Twitter:
Add our posts to your Feedly › click here
Get all the news sent on Telegram 
LATEST TO WATCH