Hugh reveals his bottom line to star in new Downton movie
MAKING any movie involves striking intricate deals with demanding actors, often with delicate egos.
Now Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville has laid down his bottom line for appearing in a bigscreen version of the hit period drama – his name must not share the screen with a dog’s backside.
His billing in the opening credits of the ITV series became something of a running joke, as for the six years the show was on air his name appeared alongside the back end of a labrador.
The title sequence even led to fans using the affectionate Twitter hashtag #HoundsBum to talk about the show.
But as plans for a Downton film move ahead, an insider said: ‘Hugh has said he’s cool with anything, so long as his name isn’t over the dog’s bum in the opening credits.’
It’s not the first time that the actor, who plays the Earl of Grantham, has brought up the unfortunate juxtaposition.
In a 2012 interview, he displayed a sense of humour over the apparent ignominy, saying: ‘Someone up there hates me. It’s an interesting opening choice.’
Downton creator Julian Fellowes and producer Gareth Neame are still developing the movie, and the details remain a closely guarded secret.
But speculation that filming is due to start soon was heightened this month when Jim Carter, who plays Carson the butler, revealed that cast members ‘have been asked to keep ourselves available at dates in the future’.
Dame Maggie Smith is said to be returning as the waspish Dowager Countess, alongside Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary, Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith and Lily James as Lady Rose.
The casting of the dog is less certain. Lord Grantham’s first labrador, Pharaoh, was killed off early on. A second dog, called Isis, was killed off in series five, although Bonneville denied the decision was made because of the Islamic State terror group, also known as ISIS. His final canine companion was called Tiaa, after an ancient Egyptian queen.