The internet is abuzz with some seriously exciting news: Daniel Day-Lewis will be portraying the sixteenth President of the United States in the long-awaited Steven Spielberg directed Lincoln, according to an official press release by DreamWorks. From that release:

“Daniel Day-Lewis would have always been counted as one of the greatest of actors, were he from the silent era, the golden age of film or even some time in cinema’s distant future. I am grateful and inspired that our paths will finally cross with Lincoln,” said Steven Spielberg. “Throughout his career, he has been exceptionally selective in his choice of material,” added Stacey Snider, “which makes us feel even more fortunate that he has chosen to join with us for Lincoln.”

Based on the best-selling book, Team of Rivals, by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, the screenplay has been written by the Pulitzer Prize winner, Tony Award winner, and Academy Award nominated writer Tony Kushner. It will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Steven Spielberg.

It is anticipated that the film will focus on the political collision of Lincoln and the powerful men of his cabinet on the road to abolition and the end of the Civil War.

Yes, please and thank you. Despite the original intent of casting Liam Neeson (which had been a verbal arrangement between Neeson and Spielberg for years and years before he finally stepped away from the project a few months ago, citing his age), can anyone argue that there would be no better actor than Day-Lewis to portray the Great Emancipator, both as an actor and in his physique?

As of now, they expect to begin filming in the fall of 2011, with a release aim of awards season 2012. In the meantime, I shall wet my pants with anticipation.