Downton Abbey may soon return to the big screen rather than the small screen. The Associated Press reports a Downton Abbey movie is in the works, with production likely to start next year.
The AP story quotes Michael Edelstein, president of NBCUniversal International Studios, speaking at the opening of a Downton Abbey exhibit in Singapore. He said a movie “has been in the works for some time,” and adds, ““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. “
Cast members at the opening told the AP they didn’t know about movie plans. “Tell my agent, because we’re still waiting to know. We’re hoping that will happen soon,” said Laura Carmichael, who played Lady Edith Crawley in the series.
“We would all love to be part of the film if it was to happen, for sure,” added Sophie McShera, who played assistant cook Daisy McShera.
Show creator Julian Fellowes has also said a movie is “pretty likely.” Earlier this month in The Guardian, he said, “I’ve done some work on the script because I don’t want to find there’s a green light and no script ready. But we’re still waiting for that green light from the studio.”
“Downton Abbey” ran in the United Kingdom from 2010-2015, and on PBS’ “Masterpiece Theatre” from 2011-2016. It followed the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early 20th century.
