Though Focus Features likely didn’t realize it when the studio purchased the rights to the film, “Downton Abbey” has become one of the biggest box office success stories of 2019. The posh British drama, and sequel to the worldwide hit series, has earned more than $196 million worldwide and, domestically, has outgrossed the likes of “Rocketman,” “Men in Black: International,” and “Alita: Battle Angel.” Who had that on their 2019 predictions list?
And considering the massive success of the film, it’s obvious that producer Gareth Neame would be asked about a potential sequel while speaking at a recent event (via Variety). And luckily for ‘Downton’ diehards, a sequel is likely on the way. Just don’t hold your breath for it, yet.
“Fortunately, it has worked,” Neame said. “It’s Focus Features’ biggest film ever, it broke the record held by ‘Brokeback Mountain’ for many years, it’s Universal’s biggest release in the U.K. all year, and [it’s] so far grossed about $185 million globally.”
He added, “We all enjoyed it. The actors enjoyed it, so hopefully, we’ll find a way to come back for more.”
But those “Downton Abbey” fans might not want to pop those champagne bottles just yet. If there is going to be a sequel, it’s not coming any time soon. Both Neame and ‘Downton’ creator/writer Julian Fellowes are knee-deep into the development of their upcoming HBO series “The Gilded Age.”
“We won’t start shooting until March, and there are huge sets going up and we are casting in New York at the moment,” Neame said. “Julian is doing a lot of rewrites, and he said, ‘It may delay me thinking further about this “Downton” endeavor.’ I said, ‘I like to think you have two shifts going on, a day shift and night shift, and the TV work can happen during the day and the writing on the “Downton” script at night.’”
Waiting a little while between films shouldn’t be a problem for ‘Downton’ fans. They waited almost four years between the final season of the series and the recent film. And it sure does sound like, even delayed, the producers aren’t going to wait that long for a sequel.