Downton Abbey film confirmed, shooting this summer

With all the principle cast returning

After years of rumours, a Downton Abbey film has finally been confirmed to be happening.

Julian Fellowes – who created the ITV show – has written the screenplay, with Brian Percival (The Book Thief, six episodes of Downton Abbey) serving as director.

Production begins later this summer, the principle cast all returning for the cinematic outing, including Hugh Bonneville and Dame Maggie Smith.

“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,” producer Gareth Neame said.

“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.”

The news was initially announced on Twitter with the message: “Welcome back to Downton! We’re thrilled to announce that Downton Abbey is coming to the big screen. Film production begins this summer.”

Plot details remain a mystery, although the story will likely pick up directly after the series finale, which aired December 2015 after six seasons.

A release date also remains unknown, although – considering the production beginning very soon – we should likely expect the film to reach cinemas late next year.