The cameras, they are a-rolling on the set of Brian Percival’s Downton Abbey film. And to prove it, Lady Mary herself, Michelle Dockery, shared a really rather stylish set photo just the other day. She’s set to be a prominent player in the long overdue movie, of course, given her ties to the Crawley Family, so we’ll be keeping a close eye on the actresses’ personal Instagram feed as production continues.
It shouldn’t be long before we see more from the film, either, as we’re learning today that it’s set to make its way into theaters next fall. That’s right, Focus Features has announced that Downton Abbey will arrive on the big screen on September 20th, 2019, with those across the pond getting it a bit earlier, on September 13th.
“Since the series ended, fans of Downton have long been waiting for the Crawley family’s next chapter,” commented Focus chairman Peter Kujawski. “We’re thrilled to join this incredible group of filmmakers, actors and craftspeople, led by Julian Fellowes and Gareth Neame, in bringing back the world of Downton to the big screen next September.”
Plot details are practically non-existent at this early, early stage, and understandably so, but fans of the beloved TV show can at least rest assured that, yes, one of television’s greatest ever dramas is about to receive the send-off it deserves, and it’ll be here sooner than we thought.
Lining the cast list for the project are a number of familiar faces, with Dame Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville and even Dan Stevens all expected to reprise their respective roles come 2019. They’ll be getting some help from a number of newcomers, too, as Imelda Staunton, Geraldine James, Simon Jones, David Haig, Tuppence Middleton, Kate Phillips, and Stephen Campbell Moore all signed on late last month in undisclosed parts.
It’s official: the Crawley family has cordially invited one and all back to Downton Abbey for this special event movie. And with production now well underway and a release date set, it shouldn’t be too much longer before we have a trailer to feast on.