‘Downton Abbey’ season 4: Tom Ellis speaks out on casting chatter

Last last week, it was revealed that despite being labeled as a potential front-runner for the role of Lady Mary’s new love interest on “Downton Abbey” season 4, Tom Ellis is not getting the role. Rather, he has been cast to play a part in “Gothica,” an ambitious new ABC pilot that seems like a darker sort of “Once Upon a Time” story. There has been no other actor rumored to take on the role alongside Michelle Dockery, but Ellis has finally spoken out over the weekend to confirm his casting in one series, and deny being a part of the other.

In a new series of posts on his Twitter account, here is what Ellis had to say:

“OK, so it’s been lovely to hear all the congrats for Downton but the truth is I’m not going to be in it… but thank you for your messages … But thank you to everyone who has congratulated me on ‘Gothica’…this is true…”

In all likelihood Ellis did discuss the role with ITV producers, but either he or the series decided to move in another direction given that he did not say anything about whether or not he was ever considered. Nonetheless, “Gothica” has a chance of being picked up given that ABC already has a successful show of this variety on the air already, and the potential for this show to stick around long-term may be better than a role on “Downton Abbey,” where he would had the terrible challenge of having to follow up a character as beloved as Dan Stevens’ Matthew. With that being said, this role may still be coveted due to the global success of the show, and the frequent recognition that comes its way via awards shows.

Do you think this “Downton Abbey” role is one that many people want, or do you imagine there being a certain nervousness around it instead? Be sure to share some of your thoughts below, and you can read more about “Gothica” over at the link here.

Photo: ITV