Spielberg Reveals ‘Lincoln’ Rejection Letter from Daniel Day-Lewis

Though the historical drama Lincoln from Steven Spielberg is now getting plenty of accolades and acclaim this awards season (it was just nominated for a DGA award), but it’s been a long road to get here. The film had been in the works for years with Liam Neeson once attached to the role, but after years of waiting and on-and-off development, Spielberg set his sights on the picky Daniel Day-Lewis to play our nation’s 16th president. But getting the movie made wasn’t as simple as that decision since the Oscar-winning star of There Will Be Blood, Gangs of New York and My Left Foot actually turned Spielberg down. In fact, Spielberg finally revealed the letter Day-Lewis sent him to pass on the first version of the film. As you read the actor’s description of the historical figure in the first attempt at the script, you can tell Lincoln was once much …