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‘Downton Abbey’ Movie Gets the Greenlight with Original Principal Cast Returning

It’s officially happening! Just over a year ago, news broke that a Downton Abbey movie was in the works. At the time, the film was in the very early stages of development and planning but was confirmed by the President of NBCUniversal International Studios, Michael Edelstein.

On Friday, it was announced via Deadline that the movie has officially been given the greenlight into production with principal cast members such as Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, and Hugh Bonneville returning to reprise their roles!

The film will hail from Focus Features and Carnival films with production expected to begin this summer! Series creator Julian Fellowes has already penned the film’s script and is onboard to produce along with Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge. Nigel Marchant is also returning as executive producer and Brian Percival, who had previously directed the series’ pilot, will also direct for the film.

Gareth Neame, Carnival’s Executive Chairman, and the film’s producer 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.”

Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski adds, “Since the series ended, fans of Downton have long been waiting for the Crawley family’s next chapter. 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.”

The Downton Abbey series aired from 2010 to 2015 on PBS and followed the Crawley family and their servants and house workers. The Crawley family is an elite and aristocratic bunch living in England where the series takes place. The series followed the lives of the characters amidst the backdrop of several historical events including the sinking of the Titanic and World War I. The series became extremely popular, not just in the UK and in America but in at least 150 countries worldwide. In addition to earning a strong fanbase, the series also won 3 Golden Globs, 15 Emmys, and a special BAFTA honor.

What do you think? Are you excited to hear that a movie version is finally officially in the works? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.