A Second ‘Downton Abbey’ Movie Is Happening—Here’s Everything We Know

The sleeper hit movie of the 2019 holiday season, Downton Abbey, based on the series of the same name, is getting a sequel, aptly called Downton Abbey 2.

For those who missed it, Downton Abbey (the movie) was decidedly less tragic than the series, which included many sudden deaths. Instead, it followed the Crawley family and their servants as they prepared for a visit from King George V and Queen Mary. Toward the end of the film (spoiler!), matriarch Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith) discloses that she has an unnamed illness and may die soon…though that could really mean anything, given that the Crawleys don’t seem to age like regular mortals.

So, what will the sequel bring? More costumes, more intrigue, and a few new characters, at least. There hasn’t been a trailer drop yet, but read on for everything that’s been revealed so far.

The cast is back. “The original principal cast will all once again return” according to a press release, which we kind of assume means…everyone? The series and first film were both sprawling ensemble pieces, but as far as we’ve heard, all the actors are game to keep going, so we’re expecting Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery and the rest.

There are some new faces in the mix. Though their parts haven’t been revealed, the same press release noted that Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye, and Dominic West will join the cast. Sorry, screaming because Hugh Dancy is so perfect for this.

Julian Fellowes wrote the screenplay. Fellowes created the series and wrote the screenplay for the first movie, as well as for the excellent Gosford Park. While Michael Engler directed the 2019 film, Simon Curtis (My Week With Marilyn) will be at the helm this time around.