SILVER SCREEN SEQUEL
THERE’S A SILVER SCREEN SEQUEL IN THE WORKS!
Downton’s still in demand!
We’re going back to Downton! A sequel to this year’s wildly successful Downton Abbey movie is in the works, a producer of the flick has confirmed.
After a very impressive box-office performance – that delved back into the Crawleys’ aristocratic lives after the TV series ended in 2015 and made almost $300 million worldwide – work has begun on a second feature film, says producer Gareth Neame.
“We’re having those conversations,” he tells.
“We’re working on what the story is, and when we might be able to make it.
“We started vaguely thinking about it [a sequel] before the release of the movie. But we were kind of holding our breath. The reaction to the film, the press tour in the US and buildup to release were so strong. And then it was clear from the first weekend that this was worth taking seriously.”
While progress is being made behind the scenes, the only tricky aspect is getting all of the actors back together, with their stars and popularity all rising dramatically off the back of the hugely popular franchise.
“It’s the same as the first time around,” says Gareth.
“We have to try and get everyone back together again. And that was very challenging [the first time around].” However, the majority of the cast are keen for another instalment – with Allen Leech
(38) as Branson, Michelle Dockery (37) as Lady Mary, Laura Carmichael (33) as Lady Edith and Sophie McShera (34) as Daisy all confirming they’d like to reprise their roles.
“It would be very interesting to see what would happen,” tells Allen. “I think we would all be up for it. If people really love it and there is an appetite, then why wouldn’t we do it?”
We can’t wait!