'Downton Abbey: A New Era' Trailer: Experience A Grand New Journey

It’s time to check in with the Crawleys again as “Downton Abbey: A New Era” comes to theaters. This sequel to 2019’s hit film is set to give the family — along with the characters who populate their staff — a surprising change of scenery. Viewers are transported from the familiar English estate to a French villa with ties to the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith).

Simon Curtis marks his first time as director on a “Downton” project with this story by creator Julian Fellowes. While he may be new to the franchise, Curtis is far from a newcomer to the industry. He helmed episodes of “Cranford” as well as the films “Goodbye Christopher Robin” and “The Art of Racing in the Rain.” Fellowes himself is enjoying recent success outside of “Downton” with HBO Max’s “The Gilded Age.” 

 READ MORE: ‘The Gilded Age’ Trailer: HBO Teams With The Creator Of ‘Downton Abbey’ For A 19th-Century Period Drama

Fans of the series and subsequent 2019 film will be pleased to see the return of their favorite acting ensemble. Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Joanne Froggatt, Harry Hadden-Paton, Robert James-Collier, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Tuppence Middleton, Lesley Nicol, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, and Penelope Wilton reprise their roles. This time, they are joined by Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye, Dominic West, Jonathan Zaccaï

The film’s official synopsis:

From award-winning creator, Julian Fellowes comes the motion picture event “Downton Abbey: A New Era.” The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa.

Gareth Neame, Liz Trubridge, and Julian Fellowes are producers on “Downton Abbey: A New Era.” The film is set to arrive in theaters on May 20. Get your first look at the trailer below.