Daniel Day-Lewis turned down ‘Interview With The Vampire’: “He didn’t want to do a vampire film”

Daniel Day-Lewis turned down a part in Interview With The Vampire according to an interview with its director, Neil Jordan.

In a new interview with Variety to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the film, which starred Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Kirsten Dunst, Jordan revealed that Day-Lewis was considered for the part of Lestat – which eventually went to Cruise.

He explained: “Daniel was mentioned by the studio, but I never felt he would do it. I did sent him the script, and unsurprisingly, he said he didn’t want to do a vampire film. So there were reams of people that were mentioned.

“Anne’s [Rice, author of the book on which the film was based] particular favourites were great people like Rutger Hauer and Jeremy Irons, but we went through the normal casting process, and then Tom Cruise was suggested. I went and met Tom twice, and then thought I could get something really great going here. I’d always admired Tom as an actor, but apart from the fact that he was the biggest star around at the time.”

Day-Lewis confirmed recently that he would star in a film directed by his son, Anemone, his first role since he announced his retirement from acting in 2017 ahead of the release of Phantom Thread. For this, Day-Lewis received an Oscar nomination.

Speaking with W Magazine at the time, Day-Lewis opened up about his decision to retire. “I dread to use the overused word ‘artist,’ but there’s something of the responsibility of the artist that hung over me,” he explained. “I need to believe in the value of what I’m doing. The work can seem vital. Irresistible, even. And if an audience believes it, that should be good enough for me. But, lately, it isn’t.”

There has been further speculation recently that Day-Lewis might be coming out of retirement for good, with rumours swirling after he was spotted on a film set with Sean Bean.

It was reported earlier this year that Day-Lewis was still firmly “done” with acting, with filmmaker Jim Sheridan telling ScreenDaily: “I keep talking to him. I’d love to do something with him again. He’s like everybody else. He opens up the streamers and there’s 7,000 choices, none of them are good.”

However, Day-Lewis has now reportedly been seen shooting scenes on a motorbike with Bean in Manchester. The film is thought to be called Avelyn, where Bean is thought to be playing an ex-soldier. It is not yet known what role Day-Lewis is playing.

In January, Day-Lewis also made a rare public appearance at the National Board Of Review Awards gala, honouring his Gangs Of New York director, Martin Scorsese.

According to Variety, the filmmaker teased the actor’s return to the industry in his speech, as he thanked Day-Lewis for presenting him the award. “We did two films together and it’s one of the greatest experiences of my life, I must say. Maybe there’s time for one more. Maybe! He’s the best.”

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