Downton Abbey movie production to begin in 2018
This past week an NBCUniversal executive stated that a Downton Abbey movie is in the works, with production likely to begin in 2018.
According to the Associated Press, the president of NBCUniversal International Studios, Michael Edelstein, expressed his hope, during a red-carpet event for “Downton Abbey: The Exhibition”, to assemble 20 cast members from the Emmy award-winning TV series.
“There’s a movie in the works. It’s been in the works for some time. 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.”
While Edelstein knew of the movie production, the cast members who attended the event, were unaware of the project. Among the unaware were Sophie McShera and Laura Carmichael, who played assistant cook Daisy Mason and Lady Edith Crawley, respectively.
McShera expressed her interest in being part of the film.
“Oh, well, you’ve got confirmation before us. We have no idea if that’s happening. But we would all love to be part of the film if it was to happen, for sure.”
Carmichael also added her two cents about the film.
“Well, tell my agent, because we’re still waiting to know. We’re hoping that will happen soon.”
In addition to the actors, Emmy-winning writer and creator Julian Fellowes offered his thoughts.
“I think we’ve got a film in us. I hope it happens.”
Downton Abbey, which ended its long run in 2015, followed the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family in England and their servants amid the backdrop of many historical events, including the sinking of the Titanic and World War I.
With the news of production slated to begin next year, let’s hope the original cast signs on to the project because let’s face it, who hasn’t missed the Crawley family?
“The Downton Abbey: The Exhibition”,which features costumes, locations and never-before-seen footage from the TV show, is scheduled to travel to the United States and Australia at a later date.
This story was written by Samantha D’Amico.