Although Julian Fellowes’ hit period drama Downton Abbey ended its run in late 2015, it looks like rumors of a feature film version of the show are coming to fruition. AP is reporting that NBCUniversal International Studios president Michael Edelstein confirmed that a Downton Abbey movie has been in active development for a 2018 start date that will see the return of at least twenty actors from the series.
“There’s a movie in the works. It’s been in the works for some time,” Edelstein said. “We are working on getting the script right and then we’ve got to figure out how to get the (cast) together. Because as you know, people go on and do other things. But we’re hopeful to make a movie sometime next year.”
Emmy-winning writer and creator Fellowes confirmed as much, stating, “I think we’ve got a film in us. I hope it happens.”
Featuring a cast that has included breakout talent the likes of Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Jessica Brown Findlay, Lily James, Rose Leslie, Sophie McShera, Dan Stevens, Maggie Smith and many, many more, Downton Abbey reportedly concluded its run after six seasons due to talent contracts running out and the desire of the cast to move on to other projects. Time will tell if they can get enough of the gang back together now that many have solid careers.
The series followed the lives and intrigues of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic servants in the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey between 1912 and 1926.
Executive produced by Gareth Neame, Julian Fellowes, Liz Trubridge, and Nigel Marchant, Downton Abbey was created and written by Oscar winner Fellowes (Gosford Park). Rebecca Eaton serves as Executive Producer for Masterpiece. The series was presented in America on PBS’ Masterpiece by WGBH Boston. Funding for the series was provided by Viking River Cruises and Ralph Lauren Corporation with additional support from public television viewers and contributors to The Masterpiece Trust.
