The “Downton Abbey” movie is a go, announced officially by Focus Features. All the cast members are coming back except for Dan Stevens and the girl who played Isabelle. They got themselves killed off in the series when they decided to leave after three seasons. Otherwise, Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Jo Froggatt, et al will return. Tis hoped this is a one off and not the beginning of a series. (Please God.) Just wrap it up, once and for all, before Downton is bought by foreigners and the town becomes a suburb with a Wimpy’s.
The show’s creator Julian Fellowes has written the script, of course. He’ll be co-producing with Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge. Brian Percival, who directed the show’s pilot, will direct the film.
Gareth Neame, Carnival’s Executive Chairman and the film’s producer said, “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. 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.”