The Crawleys are back in “Downton Abbey: A New Era.” The film promises a few surprises for loyal viewers, full of the luxury and intrigue fans have come to love. From opulent weddings to splendid tennis matches, this new chapter offers a lifestyle fitting the famous family.
Many of the first film’s characters in the original series are set to return. Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Joanne Froggatt, Matthew Goode, Harry Hadden-Paton, David Haig, Geraldine James, Robert James-Collier, Simon Jones, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Tuppence Middleton, Stephen Campbell Moore, Lesley Nicol, Kate Phillips, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, and Penelope Wilton are part of the sequel. As with any new chapter in Crawley history — expect a few new additions. This time, Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye, and Dominic West join the cast.
Creator Julian Fellowes takes on screenwriting duties for the project. He also wrote the initial film and most episodes of the series; it’s a bonus that adds continuity to the entire franchise. Grappling with historical dramas is nothing new for the multi-hyphenate. He’s also at work on the upcoming HBO series “The Gilded Age.”
“My Week with Marilyn” and “Goodbye Christopher Robin” director Simon Curtis is helming ‘A New Era.’ Curtis’s work on various TV projects allowed him to learn from industry veterans while giving younger actors their first roles. “I’ve been really lucky to work with legends, some at the very end of their career and, on the other end of the spectrum, brand new actors,” the director told The Playlist during a 2011 interview.
Check-in with the family and staff who made “Downton Abbey” a hit. “Downton Abbey: A New Era” opens March 18. Get your first look at the film below.