A ‘Downton Abbey’ Movie Is Officially Hitting Theaters Next Year

If you’ve been missing The Crawleys and their beautiful “Downton Abbey” estate, fill those tea cups and chop off your hair à la Lady Mary because everything you loved about the show is returning — this time as a movie!

After years of hearing a film was in the works, the official announcement came via the “Downton Abbey” Twitter account, stating that we can expect a movie to begin filming this summer.

Actress Joanne Froggatt, who plays maid Anna Bates in the show, also took to Twitter to confirm the news, thanking fans for their positive reaction to the announcement.

Michelle Dockery, aka Lady Mary (a character not exactly known for kindness or excitement) shared a photo of herself with fellow cast member Laura Carmichael, saying she is thrilled to begin filming.

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Airing for six seasons in the UK and U.S., the historical drama revolved around the lives of the British aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in England during the early 20th century. Since its finale aired in 2016, fans on both sides of the pond have been longing for a film, so it should come as no surprise that the announcement quickly racked up over 40,000 comments on Facebook alone.

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While fans are undoubtedly excited, others are wondering just what to expect from the film. While we do know the original main cast is returning, the film’s plot has not yet been revealed.

However, the screenplay is being written by the show’s creator, Julian Fellowes, so it’s safe to expect some drama, tears, smiles and plenty of wit from the Dowager Countess.

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A release date has also not been set, though Hugh Bonneville, who plays the family patriarch, Robert Crawley, tweeted “2019 #DowntonAbbey”, so it looks like we’ll be able to see the film on the big screen sometime next year.

“Since the series ended, fans of Downton have long been waiting for the Crawley family’s next chapter,” Focus Films chairman Peter Kujawski said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to join this incredible group of filmmakers, actors and craftspeople, led by Julian Fellowes and [series executive producer] Gareth Neame, in bringing back the world of Downton to the big screen.”

What do you hope to see in the “Downton Abbey” movie?