Downton Abbey devotées, we have good news and bad news, so let’s start with the good: The sequel to the beloved show’s 2019 film—previously known as Downtown Abbey 2—finally has an official title. Mark your calendars for Downton Abbey: A New Era.
Which brings us to the bad news…you’ll have to wait a little bit longer to actually see the film, which was originally slated for a premiere date of December 22, 2021. It’s now set for a theaters-only release date of March 18, 2022 (which is only three months later, but still).
Both announcements came at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, where attendees also got a first look at snippets from the movie. True to the original announcement, the original cast will be returning for the sequel, along with a few new faces including Hugh Dancy (Hannibal), Laura Haddock (White Lines), Nathalie Baye (Catch Me if You Can) and Dominic West (The Wire). Julian Fellowes (who created the TV show) will once again pen the script while Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge are returning to produce. Simon Curtis (My Week with Marilyn) has signed on to direct the film.
ICYMI, the first film followed a royal visit to the Crawley family and Downton staff from the King and Queen of England and ended with a ball fitting for the royal family. The original cast includes Henry Talbot (Matthew Goode), Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), Lady Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith), Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael), Anna Bates (Joanne Froggatt), John Bates (Brendan Coyle) and the Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville).