Downton Abbey movie CONFIRMED with original cast – Here’s when shooting starts

It’s been a long time coming but a feature length film for the cinema is now entering production.

According to Deadline, the original cast which includes Bonneville’s Lord Grantham and Smith’s Dowager Duchess, are returning for the first time since the hit TV series ended in 2015.

Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes is returning to pen the film’s screenplay.

Meanwhile Brian Percival, who directed the first season’s pilot will helm the movie – which was allegedly delayed due to the cast’s conflicting schedules.

But what about the plot? Well it’s currently a secret but the final episode may be a clue.

Fans will remember the Downton Abbey TV show stretched from the sinking of the Titanic in April 1912 to New Year’s Day 1926.

So surely the film will take place at some point after that and hopefully give the whole story of the Crawley family a proper send off.

At the very least we do know we’ll be returning to Highclere Castle, which mocks up for Downton Abbey.

The Downton Abbey movie will shoot this summer with Focus Features and Carnival Films producing the project.

One of the film’s producers said: “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.”

Meanwhile Focus Chairman Peter Kujawski added: “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.”

Downton Abbey The Movie’s release date is yet to be confirmed.