LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Oscar-winning English actor Michael Caine, whose career has spanned eight decades, expressed that his latest picture 'The Great Escaper', which will be released next month, could perhaps be his last - adding he was 90 and had trouble "walking properly."
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Sir Caine opened up about his impending retirement and discussed his role in the 'The Great Escaper' movie, where he co-stars with Glenda Jackson.
Jackson died away in June at the age of 87, a few months after filming was completed.
The politician and two-time Oscar winner died peacefully at home in Blackheath, London, following a brief illness, her agent said at the time.
Sir Caine acknowledged, in his own words, "I am bloody 90 now, and I can’t walk properly and all that. I sort of am retired now. Anyway..."
The British actor highlighted the brilliantly written script and his passion for the character of Bernie as reasons why he couldn't resist taking on the project.
He had been away from the big screen for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had him worried that his acting days were numbered.
Nevertheless, he set out on this last journey and thoroughly enjoyed it.
In the event that 'The Great Escaper' does serve as Caine's final movie, it will cap off a career spanning decades and more than 100 films, including 'The Dark Knight,' 'The Prestige,' 'The Cider House Rules,' 'The Quiet American,' and others.
Michael Caine makes rare red carpet appearance
The 90-year-old actor showed up on the red carpet on Wednesday, September 20, for 'The Great Escaper's London BFI Southbank premiere.
As per PEOPLE, Sir Caine was joined by Oliver Parker, the director, Will Fletcher, Danielle Vitalis, John Standing, and Laura Marcus.
Although he acknowledged that it was physically difficult to play the part.
"They gave me a very good walking stick, and I was able to do scenes that needed that. I’d just do them once, and then fall over," he added in the latest interview.
He later remarked, "I’ve had the best possible life I could have thought of. The best possible wife, and the best possible family. They may not be a family that other people would say is the best possible family – but the best possible family for me."
When asked what he wanted to be remembered for, he responded, "The fact that I remained an actor all my life, and I never went into anything else. I never left, I never wanted to leave."
Michael Caine's last 'The Great Escaper' is based on a true story
The Oliver Parker-directed movie is based on the true account of Bernard Jordan (Caine), a British World War II veteran, who eludes his care facility to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day commemoration in France, as per Hollywood Reporter.
According to the synopsis, Jordan "staged a 'great escape' from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades at the D-Day Landings 70th anniversary."
Furthermore, Bernie’s 48-hour "also marked the culmination of his 60-year marriage to Rene," played by Jackson.
The movie "celebrates their enduring love but always with an eye to the lessons we might learn from the Greatest Generation."
Netizens react to Michael Caine's hint of retirement from acting
Several internet users expressed their opinions in the event Sir Caine retires from the acting industry.
One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Thats to bad, love his work."
A second fan typed, "Brilliant til the end"
Fans took to Facebook as well to express their love and best wishes for the veteran actor. One fan wrote, "Love him & his acting. Looks frail."
"It goes without saying that he’s ‘had a good run’.." wrote another fan.
One more fan exclaimed, "If comments are to be believed, The Great Escaper may be his last film. If it is, it looks like he's going out on a good 'un. Thanks for entertaining us for the last sixty years or so, Sir Michael!"
"Love him so much! Stay healthy and happy with your family," another fan wished.
