What is going on with Michael Caine?

Michael Caine has made headlines this weekend, as he announced that he would not continue acting after his role in the comedy-drama film Best Sellers, released September 17, 2021.

Actually, Caine’s exact words were “[this] turned out to be what is my last part really”, while discussing the grumpy author he played in the recent film on BBC Radio program Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review. That seems pretty crystal clear.

“There haven’t been any offers honestly for two years, because nobody’s been making any movies I’d wanna do”, Caine said.

“I haven’t worked for two years, and I have a spine problem which affects my legs so I can’t walk very well.”

“You know I’m 88. There’s not exactly scripts pouring out with a leading man that’s 88, you know?”

However, in a twist that was unforeseen to most, especially given Caine’s age, Caine’s representatives have come forward sharing that despite what The Dark Knight actor said, it wasn’t strictly true, saying that Caine “is not fully retiring”. Caine confirmed this in a rare tweet:

I haven’t retired and not a lot of people know that

— Michael Caine (@themichaelcaine) October 16, 2021

Caine is best known for his role as Alfie Elkins in the 1966 film Alfie and has since gone on to enjoy a lengthy and successful career spanning 7 decades. Featuring in everything from multi-award-winning film Interstellar, to crass comedy Austin Powers in Goldmember, Caine is an unbreakable force in Hollywood.

Twitter reacted very strongly to Caine’s initial announcement of retirement, paying tribute to his career and saying:

Sir Michael Caine has retired from acting. 60+ years in the business, over 130 films, a British cinema icon ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iozcigHCxy

— Kriegler (@shooterkriegler) October 15, 2021

Michael Caine announces that he’s retired from acting after his new movie, Best Sellers. https://t.co/H9whkVEfl4 pic.twitter.com/EwKJK6Qaz9

— Screen Rant (@screenrant) October 15, 2021

christopher nolan working on his current movie when of all sudden michael caine announces his retirement pic.twitter.com/Zeqd1uxR1a

— ???????????????? ????????????????????????-???????????? ???? ☂︎ (@tinyspiderlegs) October 15, 2021

Me when I see Michael Caine enjoying his retirement pic.twitter.com/6F6AnoyuY9

— Mattroid Dread (@mattapodaca) October 16, 2021

Whether he decides to call it a day or if he chooses to continue to grace our screens, fans of the actor can look forward to seeing him on the silver screen again.