Downton Abbey returns with a second film this Christmas | UK News

Downton Abbey is returning for a second film this Christmas, it has been announced.

The sequel will feature the original cast, which includes Dame Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael and Jim Carter, with new additions from Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye and Dominic West.

Production began last week and is slated to hit theaters on December 22, the producers said.

It will be written by Downton creator Julian Fellowes and directed by My Week With Marilyn’s Simon Curtis.

Announcing the film, Carnival Films Producer and Executive Chairman Gareth Neame said: “After a very difficult year with so many of us separated from our family and friends, it is very heartwarming to think that better times are coming and that next Christmas we will be reunited with beloved characters from Downton Abbey. “

Hugh Bonneville took to Twitter by posting a photo of himself wearing a face mask and holding up a cast photo with the caption: “It’s good to be back.”

Bonneville, who plays the Earl of Grantham in the series, previously said the COVID-19[female[feminine the pandemic had prevented the cast and crew from planning a sequel.

He told the Graham Norton Show: “We would love to do that and there is a big intention, but a little thing called coronavirus keeps annoying you.

“There’s a script, but not all of the ducks are in a row yet – they sure aren’t in the pond.”

Downton’s first film was released in 2019 with poor reviews.

It followed the hugely popular television series, filmed at Highclere Castle in Berkshire, which told the story of the aristocratic Crawley family and the downstairs servants of their Yorkshire estate.