Downton Abbeyhas been a bona fide cultural staple on both sides of the Atlantic from its first days on television through to the conclusion of its most recent feature film, yet, the whispers of Highclere Castle’s halls now say that the story ofDownton Abbeymay not have reached its final chapter. A third film installment has been officially confirmed byImelda Staunton, who appeared on theRadio 2 Breakfast Showthis morning. She didn’t mince words with the reveal, saying:“There will be the final film – there you go.”
Since its six-season run concluded in 2015, the saga of the Crawley family and their ensemble of domestic servants has seamlessly transitioned to the silver screen, garnering substantial box office success. The first film adaptation in 2019 and its sequel,A New Erain 2022, collectively demonstrated the enduring fascination with the series, and itsjuxtapositional viewpoints of high society and working-class footmen and servants, combining for a gross nearing $200 million against modest budgets.
Last month,Collider reported that aDowntonproject was in the works, following a series of suggestive social media posts from Highclere Castle, the real-world setting for the beloved series. A particularly telling post featured a caption about keeping secrets, alongside hashtags relating to filming, behind-the-scenes content, and other production-centric terms. The inclusion ofThomas Barrow, portrayed byRobert James-Collier, in one of the images, raised eyebrows and fuelled speculation among the fanbase. Now, though, that is no longer speculation, and we will return to Downton once more. Collider recently learned that filming for the final installment will begin in mid-May and will conclude in late July
What Is ‘Downton Abbey’ All About?
Downton Abbeyis a masterclass in storytelling, weaving the intricate lives of the aristocratic Crawley family with the tumultuous events of the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of a fictional Yorkshire estate,the series spans from the post-Edwardian erathrough the Roaring Twenties, delving into themes of class, ambition, and profound shifts in social hierarchy and values.With a cast that reads like a who’s who of British and American acting royalty, includingHugh Bonneville,Michelle Dockery,Dan Stevens, Matthew Goode, Lily James,Rose Leslie,Elizabeth McGovern,Penelope Wilton, andMaggie Smith,Downton Abbeyoffers a rich tapestry of character and historical depth, exploring the ideas of class, love, ambition and betrayal while real history goes on behind the story.
Stay tuned to Collider for more details on the official return to Downton Abbey.
Downton Abbey
- The Crawleys prepare to host King George V and Queen Mary at Downton Abbey.
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