People are understandably excited about the upcoming Downton Abbey film for a good reason. After all, it has been almost four years since the ITV series concluded and everyone is eager to revisit the Crawley family. Interestingly, the new movie will find the residents of Downton Abbey having to deal with a royal visit and it looks like it won't be the last one for the estate. It has just been confirmed that a sequel is already been planned even before the film has premiered.
In 2018, fans were delighted when producers confirmed that a Downton Abbey movie is in development. The film would bring back all of the main cast members and introduce new characters who would be part of the royal entourage. Series director Brian Percival was initially set to helm the movie to make sure it has the same energy and feel as the show. However, Percival later chose to step down from the project and Michael Engler took over.
As it turns out, hiring Michael Engler to direct the Downton Abbey movie may have been the right idea. The former 30 Rock director recently confirmed that he is already looking towards the future although the film has not yet been released. While speaking to Vanity Fair, Engler confirmed that there are already plans for a second Downton Abbey film. "I think there always is a potential," he said.
Engler isn't the only one who is eager to see another Downton Abbey film. Hugh Bonneville, who has played Robert Crawley, 7th Earl of Grantham in both the series and movie, even joked that there is a possibility that they could rival a popular science fiction franchise. "How many movies were there of Star Wars? This could run and run," he said.
So should people hold their breath for Downton Abbey 2? Writer Julian Fellowes is a bit more cautious about getting fans hyped up for a sequel. "For me now to say, 'Absolutely, definitely this is it, there will never be another film,' I would just be foolish. Because you end up eating your words, you know? I mean, I wouldn't mind making another film. We were very happy making this one. So let's see what happens," he said.
A potential sequel has not yet been officially announced. In the meantime, fans can enjoy the Downton Abbey movie as it hits theaters on September 13.
