LIFE & CULTURE

The Trailer For The ‘Downton Abbey’ Sequel Is Here, And Yes, We’re Headed To France

Another 'new era' begins.

Mark your calendars because the Crawley family are coming in hot—we’ve just got our first trailer for the Downton Abbey sequel and you can consider our attention piqued. 

The second instalment to the globally acclaimed television series-turned-feature-film is currently in the works, with its title, Downton Abbey: A New Era, suggesting the family is starting fresh as they enter the 1930s. 

Here, we look at everything we know (so far) about Downton Abbey: A New Era. 

What is the plot of Downton Abbey: A New Era? 

The movie’s title is a clear-cut signal as to what we can expect from the second feature film instalment. 

While the first movie followed the Crawleys in 1927 as they hosted the royal family at their expansive estate, it’s expected we’ll see the iconic relatives navigate the new decade of the 1930s in the sequel. 

In an official trailer, we see Lady Mary and Lady Edith looking chic as ever in matching, floral outfits at the family manor, and in another scene, the family attends the wedding of Tom Branson and Lucy Smith.

Sadly, the trailer didn’t give anything away about what happens to Violet Crawley after the first film’s ending, which left her life in the balance.

That said, screenwriter Julian Fellowes has hinted that there’s still hope for Violet Crawley’s safety after the first film’s ending.

“We should remember that at the end of the film, Maggie was by no means dead. You imagine Violet is on her way out, but that decision hasn’t been reached,” he explained.  

Is there a trailer for Downton Abbey: A New Era?

Yes, there most certainly is! In a newly released trailer for Downton Abbey: A New Era, fans will enjoy some new plot details for the sequel.

In the franchise’s second film, the Downton estate breaks the fourth wall as it’s being taken over by actors and crew members—from Hugh Dancy to Laura Haddock—as they film a new movie in the home. Naturally, this causes considerable commotion.

To distance themselves from the chaotic movie set, the Crawleys head to France. The group temporarily move into a home that was mysteriously left to Lady Violet, after she spent “a few days” with a man, years before.

But whose house is it? And what exactly went on between Violet and the unknown man? Well, we’ll have to wait and see.

Curious? Check out the Downton Abbey second film trailer below.

WATCH BELOW: Downton Abbey: A New Era Official Trailer

Who is in the cast of Downtown Abbey: A New Era?

The entire cast is set to reprise their roles in the second instalment. Leading the pack are Hugh Bonneville as Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham and Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley.

Elizabeth McGovern plays Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham, while Maggie Smith will play Violet Crawley, The Dowager Countess of Grantham. Imelda Staunton plays Maud Bagshaw. 

The film will be directed by Simon Curtis (who also directed the first film), joined by Oscar winner Julian Fellowes as screenwriter. 

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(Credit: Getty)

When will Downton Abbey: A New Era be released in Australia? 

The film will be released on March 18, 2022. It was originally planned for a December 2021 release, however COVID-19 related restrictions delayed production. 

Expect it to hit theatres first—and in the meantime, you can watch the first film on Netflix here.  

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