Production has started on Downton Abbey 2! Even better news? It will be out for Christmas!

Thanks to Film Stories, we can tell you the sequel to 2019’s Downton Abbey film is in production with the original cast (Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Maggie Smith and others) and newcomers Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye and Dominic West. Simon Curtis (My Week with Marilyn) will be directing the sequel, and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes is writing the screenplay.

Gareth Neame, the film’s producer and executive chairman of Carnival Films said:

“After a very challenging year with so many of us separated from family and friends, it is a huge comfort to think that better times are ahead and that next Christmas we will be re-united with the much beloved characters of Downton Abbey.”

We have no plot details for Downton Abbey 2; the first film focussed on a visit by the King and Queen and ended with a grand ball. Since then we’ve had Bridgerton, and we are assuming Bridgerton season 2 might aim for another Christmas release. Will the new Downton film take this into consideration or will we be spoiled for period drama and dancing this Christmas? We’ll let you know as we learn more!