Downton Abbey (film)

Downton Abbey is a British historical period drama film, written by Julian Fellowes and directed by Michael Engler. It is a continuation of the television series of the same name, created by Fellowes, that ran on ITV from 2010 to 2015.

The film is set in 1927, and features a visit to Downton Abbey by King George V and Queen Mary. It was scheduled to open in theatres on 13 September 2019 in the UK and on 20 September 2019 in North America.

Cast

 * Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, 7th Earl of Grantham
 * Laura Carmichael as Edith Pelham, Marchioness of Hexham
 * Jim Carter as Charles Carson
 * Raquel Cassidy as Phyllis Baxter
 * Brendan Coyle as John Bates
 * Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Talbot
 * Kevin Doyle as Joseph Molesley
 * Michael C. Fox as Andrew "Andy" Parker
 * Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates
 * Matthew Goode as Henry Talbot
 * Harry Hadden-Paton as Herbert Pelham, 7th Marquess of Hexham
 * Rob James-Collier as Thomas Barrow
 * Allen Leech as Tom Branson
 * Phyllis Logan as Elsie Hughes
 * Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham
 * Sophie McShera as Daisy Mason
 * Lesley Nicol as Beryl Patmore
 * Douglas Reith as Richard Grey, Baron Merton
 * Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham
 * Penelope Wilton as Isobel Grey, Baroness Merton

New cast members

 * Max Brown
 * David Haig as The Royal Butler
 * Geraldine James as Queen Mary
 * Simon Jones as King George V
 * Tuppence Middleton as Lucy
 * Stephen Campbell Moore
 * Kate Phillips as Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood
 * Imelda Staunton as Lady Bagshaw

Development
The film is a follow-up to the television series of the same name, which ended its original run in December 2015 after 52 episodes, and is set around 18 months after the TV finale. In April 2016, it was revealed that a film adaptation was being considered, with Julian Fellowes working on an outline plot. A script was distributed to original cast members early in 2017.

On 13 July 2018, the producers confirmed that a feature-length film would be made, with production commencing mid-2018. The script was written by Fellowes, with direction expected to be by Brian Percival; producers include Fellowes, Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge. The film will be distributed by Focus Features and Universal Pictures International.

In late August 2018, it was reported that Percival had stepped down as director and Michael Engler took on this job. Percival, in addition to Nigel Marchant, would be an executive producer.

Casting
Original cast members including Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael and Maggie Smith, were confirmed to return as their characters from the series, with Joanne Froggatt confirming her involvement in a separate announcement. Actress Lily James, who played Lady Rose MacClare, stated she would not be reprising her role for the film, as did Ed Speleers who played footman James Kent.

An August announcement indicated that newcomers Imelda Staunton, Geraldine James, Tuppence Middleton, Simon Jones, David Haig, Kate Phillips, and Stephen Campbell Moore would be among the cast of the film. James is rumoured to be playing Queen Mary. Matthew Goode, who played Lady Mary's husband Henry Talbot in the final series, will appear only briefly due to other commitments. Then, in September Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Rob James-Collier, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol and Penelope Wilton were confirmed to be reprising their respective roles, with Max Brown joining in a new, undisclosed role.

Filming
Principal photography started in London in late August 2018. By 20 September, some filming was under way at Highclere Castle, Hampshire, which had been the main location for the television series. Also in September, filming was under way in Lacock, Wiltshire, with Dame Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern and Michelle Dockery as well as two new cast members, Imelda Staunton (wife of Jim Carter) and Geraldine James; scenes shot in Lacock included a celebration with horses from the Royal Artillery. Filming concluded in November 2018.

Plot
As of 21 May 2019, little had been released as to the story line but the official trailer indicated that the estate had cut its operating budget and was getting by with less staff. Due to the impending visit of the king and queen, former head butler Carson returns to help manage the operation. There is a hint in the trailer that a romance may be developing between Branson (played by Allen Leech) and Bagshaw's maid Lucy (played by Tuppence Middleton). Joanne Froggatt who plays Anna had told a reporter a bit about her character's situation: "She and Mr Bates have a [son]. She is passionate about helping Lady Mary with the running of Downton, about keeping the legacy going."

Release
The film is scheduled for a UK release on 13 September 2019, with the US following one week later on 20 September 2019.