Daniel Day-Lewis is set to play American founding father Abraham Lincoln in Stephen Spielberg's upcoming film "Lincoln."

Though not much has been reported or written about the project, a new photo has popped up on the internet as to how the magnificent Oscar-winner has transformed himself into the 16th president.

A mere glimpse of the "There Will Be Blood" star was seen at a restaurant in Richmond, Virginia. The 54-year-old was sporting Honest Abe's trademark beard and hairstyle. The actor is said to have been in character since early this year. Obviously, the film is shooting in the Virginia area.

It was Richmond native Michael Phillips who was able to snap a quick photo of the actor and, as anyone who is well versed in internet logic would do, proceeded to tweet the rare picture to his followers. An act that would once be thought of as an invasion of privacy, will now earn Phillips a few dozen followers as well as 15 minutes of fame.

Consequences that would surprise no one. Starring Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, John Hawkes, James Spader and Hal Holbrook, The film is based in part on the book "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It focuses on the end of the war and Lincoln's efforts to abolish slavery. The movie is reportedly due out next year.

As a method actor, many have speculated that Lewis is so embedded into Lincoln's habits and ways right now that he no longer answers to his name. A few internet jokers have also taken to thinking about what specific behaviour the actor is emulating since taking on this role.

A few suggestions are letting his kids run wild (he might've been honest but Abe was no disciplinarian) and participating in séances (after their son dies, the first couple held parties of this nature in the White House due to their distress).