The first poster for Steven Spielberg‘s epic drama Lincoln has been released in the US and it fittingly focuses on the man himself – embodied by actor Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood).

Spielberg’s cinematic take on the life (or part thereof) of the iconic 16th President of the United States of America is grounded in reality – not a vampire in sight! – focusing on the tumultuous period of Lincoln’s presidency at the end of the Civil War.

As for Day-Lewis as a choice for the lead role… Spielberg couldn’t have chosen better. Not only is he a phenomenal talent, he manages to transform into (or should that be ‘meld with’?) characters like no other actor.

And to support one of the greatest actors around is an equally impressive cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt (The Dark Knight Rises), Tommy Lee Jones (No Country for Old Men), Sally Field (Forest Gump), James Spader (Secretary), John Hawkes (Martha Marcy May Marlene), Tim Blake Nelson (O Brother Where Art Thou?), David Strathairn (Good Night and Good Luck) and Jackie Earle Haley (Watchmen) all feature in the film. Woah!

Some have called this poster boring and unimaginative, but I think the image is striking and perfectly portrays everything you need to know about the film; Daniel Day-Lewis IS Abraham Lincoln and these are troubling times for the President.

I expect we’ll see a trailer for Lincoln soon. Can’t wait!

Thoughts? You like?

In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choices during this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film stars: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tommy Lee Jones, James Spader, John Hawkes, Michael Stuhlbarg, David Strathairn, Walton Goggins, David Oyelowo, Tim Blake Nelson, Bruce McGill, Jackie Earle Haley, Lee Pace, and Jared Harris.

No release date for New Zealand yet. The US see this in November and UK in January, so perhaps Febuary/March for us then?