Here’s what we know about the ‘Downton Abbey’ sequel so far

Eager to find out as much as they can about what the new movie will entail, fans of the hit series have been scouring the internet for tidbits of information. Here’s everything we know about the Downton Abbey sequel so far. 

Filming is already underway

As if news of a sequel wasn’t good enough, producers have made fans of the show even happier with the announcement that they can expect the movie to hit theatres as soon as December 22 this year (Covid regulations permitting). Already four months into 2021, that means that we only have just over eight months to wait. Filming is believed to have begun last week with director Simon Curtis at the helm. 

We’re thrilled to announce that Julian Fellowes and the entire Downton cast are back for #DowntonAbbey2, with Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye and Dominic West joining!

See the film in theaters this Christmas. pic.twitter.com/OHopFgzqiM

— Downton Abbey (@DowntonAbbey) April 19, 2021

Commenting on the exciting news, Downton Abbey executive producer Gareth Neame said in a statement, “after a very challenging year with so many of us separated from family and friends, it is a huge comfort to think that better times are ahead and that next Christmas we will be reunited with the much-beloved characters of Downton Abbey.”

Dame Maggie Smith will return

While the plot of the upcoming sequel is still very much under lock and key, we do know that the entire original cast is expected to return for the new movie – including fan favourite and cinematic icon, Dame Maggie Smith, who plays Violet Crawley on the show. 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 the rest of us, Hugh Bonneville tweeted a photo of himself in front of a Downton Abbey cast photo, simply writing that it’s “good to be back”. 

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

— Hugh Bonneville (@hughbon) April 19, 2021

Is it too early to start the countdown?