Tea is ready, and it's time to stiffen that upper lip—Downton Abbey is officially making its grand return! The creative minds behind PBS’ beloved Emmy-winning series have just announced that a new feature film will begin filming later this summer, with none other than the series’ creator, Julian Fellowes, penning the screenplay.
For six unforgettable seasons, the Edwardian drama captured our hearts as it followed the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their loyal servants. The series concluded in March 2016, but now, key cast members are set to reunite for the big screen. Fans will delight in the return of Dame Maggie Smith as the iconic Dowager Countess, Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Crawley, Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates, and many more familiar faces.
The Journey Back to Downton
Producer Gareth Neame has shared his vision for the film, stating, “When the series came to an end, it was our dream to bring the millions of fans worldwide a movie experience.” Allen Leech, who played the ever-charming chauffeur-turned-son-in-law Tom Branson, exclusively told Closer Weekly (in the magazine’s latest issue, now on newsstands!) that the cast is “100 percent ready to come back in an epic kind of film.” It's clear that the magic of Downton Abbey isn't lost on its stars.
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While we eagerly anticipate the film's release next year, here's a sneak peek into what makes this series so special. Michelle Dockery, who portrayed the ever-elegant Lady Mary, shared her excitement about the reunion, saying, “We are like a family now. It’s wonderful for us to reunite.” Even during the two-year hiatus, the cast stayed connected, with Joanne Froggatt revealing last November that they planned a private reunion dinner for 25 of the cast members.
Behind the Scenes of Downton Abbey
Producer Gareth Neame hasn't let the series fade away. “I still live and breathe the show every day because it’s still being licensed around the world,” he explained. Now, as the film's producer, he's bringing the Crawleys back to life. But what inspired Fellowes to create such a beloved world? He revealed that his own family dynamics, where his parents came from different social classes, influenced the series. “My mother wasn’t presented at court; she wasn’t a debutante,” he said. “My great aunts thought she had ‘caught’ my father, and they never changed their minds. Eventually, they tolerated her because she had delivered four healthy sons, fulfilling her dynastic duty.”
Fellowes also drew inspiration from the stories of American heiresses marrying into British aristocracy in the late 1800s. “We all know about those lovely American debs running down the gangplank into the arms of a marquis,” he noted. “But what was it like 20 years later when they were sitting in some freezing house in Staffordshire longing to be back in Rhode Island? That’s how Cora Grantham was born.”
The Costumes of Downton Abbey
While the Crawleys dazzle in their elegant attire, the servants keep things simple. Joanne Froggatt joked about the practicality of wearing Anna’s servant garb: “In the first season, I thought, ‘Aw, I’d love to wear the pretty dresses.’ But I quickly realized I’d spend less time in costume fittings and could nap during lunch without worrying about creases.”
Sarah Cooper, COO of NBC Universal International Studios, emphasized the importance of costumes in defining characters, particularly for Lady Edith (played by Laura Carmichael). “By the end of the series, she had transformed into this beautiful, confident aristocrat, and that confidence was truly reflected in her costumes,” Cooper said.
Memories from the Set
When the series wrapped, the cast left the set largely untouched, and many props and costumes have since been touring with the Downton Abbey: The Exhibition. Michelle Dockery shared a sweet memory about Mary’s bedroom: “There’s a little glass dish with hair grips in it, and we’d actually use it. If a strand of hair was out of place, the hairstylist would place the grips in the dish, and they’re still there.” Allen Leech attempted to keep Branson’s watch and cufflinks as souvenirs but admitted, “I got caught.”
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Lesley Nicol, who played the feisty Mrs. Patmore, revealed the practical side of the kitchen set. “There’s a cupboard in the corner where we’d stash our phones, drinks, and crossword puzzles,” she said. She and Sophie McShera, who played kitchen maid Daisy, even fought over the tea towel. “If you had the tea towel, you didn’t have to cook,” Sophie joked. Lesley added, “It was like a security blanket. If you didn’t know what you were doing, you’d say, ‘I left the tea towel!’”
What’s Next for Downton?
Gareth Neame teased the possibility of more adventures in the Downton universe. “Who knows? There could be spin-offs, a stage musical,” he said. Allen Leech chimed in with his own playful idea: “A Downton Abbey theme park! There could be a ride called the Dowager Countess, where she insults you for an hour.”
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