Shooting began on the untitled second Downton Abbey film last week, which is set for a release date of December 22, 2021. All the beloved cast members have returned to their roles, including Maggie Smith and Michelle Dockery, along with a host of new characters.
Newcomers Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock and Dominic West have joined the cast for Downton Abbey 2.
“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,” producer Gareth Neame said in a statement.
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
Not much is known about the plot of the film as of yet. Late last year, after much speculation, Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter, who plays butler Charles Carson, confirmed a feature-length Downton Abbey sequel was in the works.
Speaking to ITV show This Morning, Carter said the cast have already been handed the script, but has remained tight-lipped on details.
“If you promise not to tell anyone, I’ll let you know that we’ve seen a script. The script for a second film is there. We’ve seen it, it’s very funny. It’s got all the same characters in, all the regular characters,” he said.
Rumours of a Downton Abbey sequel have been circulating for a while.
Earlier in 2020, show writer Julian Fellowes revealed he would start working on a new Downton script when he finishes writing another upcoming period drama.
Long-time Downton Abbey producer Gareth Neame, who pitched the original concept for the show to Fellowes, also told The Hollywood Reporter a sequel was in the works.
“We’re working on what the story is, and when we might be able to make it. But it’s the same as the first time around – we have to try and get everyone back together again. And that was very challenging,” he said.
The first Downton Abbey film was a box office hit, becoming Focus Features’ highest-grossing film of all time in the US.
