Top up the Pimms, because we’re heading back to Downton!
Almost 3 years after the series ended, Downton Abbey will be returning — in feature film form!
Welcome back to Downton! We’re thrilled to announce that #DowntonAbbey is coming to the big screen. Film production begins this summer. pic.twitter.com/3scMUmosic
— Downton Abbey (@DowntonAbbey) July 13, 2018
The period piece followed the lives of the upper-class Crawley family, as well as that of their house staff.
The promise of a movie had long been in the air, but producers have now confirmed that production will begin in September.
Even better news is that the principal cast is all on board, meaning that Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt, Hugh Bonneville, and many others will once again be putting on their period pieces.
Both Michelle Dockery and Joanne Froggatt celebrated the announcement:
Delighted to announce we’re getting the band back together! #DowntonMovie #DowntonAbbey pic.twitter.com/ie3K2xr3Iv
— Joanne Froggatt (@JoFroggatt) July 13, 2018
The film is set to be directed by Brian Percival who directed the original pilot, while series creator, Julian Fellowes, has written the screenplay.
Carnival Films executive chairman, Gareth Neame, has said, “When the television series drew to a close it was our dream to bring the millions of global fans a movie and now, after getting many stars aligned, we are shortly to go into production. Julian’s script charms, thrills and entertains and in Brian Percival’s hands we aim to deliver everything that one would hope for as ‘Downton’ comes to the big screen”.
To paraphrase the Dowager Countess, we cannot find the words to say how excited we feel.
