A sequel to the Downton Abbey film is coming this Christmas

The Downton Abbey sequel will hit cinemas this Christmas, it has been confirmed. The filmmakers revealed that the full cast will return, along with some new additions including Dominic West, Hugh Dancy, Nathalie Baye and Laura Haddock.

Downton creator Julian Fellowes will write the screenplay for the second film, which will be released on December 22. Plot details have yet to be announced.

Producer Gareth Neame said he hoped the news would give Downton fans something to look forward to after a difficult 12 months. “After a very difficult year, when so many of us have been separated from family and friends, it is a great comfort to think that better times are ahead and that we will be reunited with the much-loved characters of Downton Abbey next Christmas,” he said.

The popular historical drama ran for six seasons from 2010 to 2015 and was made into a film in 2019. In the first film, the aristocratic Crawley family receives a visit from King George V and Queen Mary. The film received mostly positive reviews and grossed $194 million worldwide.

Hugh Bonneville, who plays Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham, announced last week that filming on the sequel had begun after sharing a picture of himself on set with the caption: “Great to be back.”

In November last year, Michelle Dockery confirmed she would return to her role as Lady Mary Crawley for a second film. “There's something calming about this time without technology and the fast pace of life today,” she told us of the series' appeal. “The characters of Downton are identifiable, even though they come from a different time and have very different circumstances to most people. Everyone has their favourite Downton character. I love diving into period dramas and going back in time.”

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