'Downton Abbey' Movie Production in the Works - Original Cast to Return!

Downton Abbey is becoming a movie!

Focus Features announced the exciting news on Friday (July 13) that the company has set production with Carnival Films on a film from the hit television series – and the principal cast is all set to return.

The show’s screenplay writer Julian Fellowes is also returning as a co-producer. Brian Percival, who directed the pilot, will direct the film.

The original television series, which ran for six seasons, followed the lives of the Crawley family and the servants who worked for them at the turn of the 20th century in an Edwardian English country home.

“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,” said Carnival exec Gareth Neame.

“Since the series ended, fans of Downton have long been waiting for the Crawley family’s next chapter. We’re thrilled to join this incredible group of filmmakers, actors and craftspeople, led by Julian Fellowes and Gareth Neame, in bringing back the world of Downton to the big screen,” added Focus exec Peter Kujawski.

Production will begin later this summer.