Everything we know about the new ‘Downton Abbey’ movie so far

While much of the specifics regarding the upcoming Downton Abbey sequel still remain under lock and key, some new developments have been made and we have both a name and a new premiere date too. 

Release date

The follow up to the hugely popular 2019 movie, the sequel was originally set for release this Christmas. However, despite filming getting underway on the project back in April, things haven’t been as fast-moving as hoped and producers have ultimately decided to delay its premiere by a further three months. 

Now going by the official title of Downton Abbey: A New Era, the new movie is due to open globally on March 18 2022. 

Cast 

All of the original Downton cast is expected to feature –  fan favourite and cinematic icon, Dame Maggie Smith, amongst them. Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter and Laura Carmichael will also reprise their roles. 

Other names set to join the fun on the sequel include Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye and Dominic West.  

Clearly as excited about the whole thing as we are, Bonneville previously tweeted a photo of himself in front of an old Downton poster, simply writing that it was “good to be back”. 

Good to be back. #DowntonAbbey2 pic.twitter.com/uZ1DtaJBUY

— Hugh Bonneville (@hughbon) April 19, 2021

Teaser trailer 

Few plot details have been revealed thus far, but the first footage of the sequel was shown at CinemaCon in Las Vegas earlier this week. Although not available to the public just yet, Deadline reports that the clip reunites us with the Crawley family and the Downton staff as they prepare for a trip abroad. Mr Carson can be heard saying, “The British are coming”, and there are also whispers of a wedding in the offing. 

The Sun claims that an “iconic” character will be killed off in the sequel too, with a source telling the publication that “those who have seen the scenes said they are so emotional”. “They really will leave fans in floods,” the source continued. “It’s heartbreak at Highclere Castle and there won’t be a dry eye in cinemas.” This has neither been confirmed nor denied though, so best to take it with a very generous pinch of salt. 

Show creator Julian Fellowes has returned to write the script, working alongside Simon Curtis as director. 

Admittedly all of that isn’t much to go on, but it’s enough for now. We’ll be busy trying to manifest an official trailer and/or early release in the meantime.