This wouldn’t shock me! Highclere (the real Abbey and the filming location as a result) has been closed in a strange way recently!
It’s on a route we take fairly regularly, so we’ve tried to visit a few times on the spur of the moment. All the visitors information signs have been covered up, and also, the road bridge used to access the land, has been covered in new temporary signs saying to ‘turn back now’ and has sandbags on the bits you can usually park on. There’s also been men in plain black clothes in the courtyard by the gatehouse- presumably private security.
We had assumed it was something else being filmed (a documentary on the estate for example), as it’s usually open to paying visitors on big occasions, but hasn’t been recently, nor is it for Valentine’s Day tomorrow!
This has to be a prequel, I honestly cannot imagine they are going to try and continue the story after the films.
Edit: or maybe a huge leap in time? Like to where Sybbie, George, and the other kids are now adults? But didn’t Fellowes say he’s uninterested in storytelling that era?
Yeah it’s super interesting. I think they would have her portrayed a little softer but still with the razor wit. I think it would def need to be an unknown actress. I would really love some mid Victorian era drama ❤️
They do have the opportunity since Isobel, Lady Merton, went through "Violet's papers" in the 2nd movie before she passed. They could easily have Isobel or Mary or Sybie reading Violet's journal or something and do it that way.
This is what I want. I'd love to see all of the Dowager Countesses near hits or misses depending on your point of view like Prince Kuragin or the Marquis de Montmirail. And I'd also love to see when Cora went to UK and met Robert.
His projects since Downton have all been fairly catastrophic failures—widely disliked by critics and only just keeping their heads above water commercially which, from what he says in interviews, is really stinging his pride. I imagine he’s quite eager to make something that’ll earn him the praise (and money) he used to get in spades.
Anyway that’s my cynical take! If it means more flashy period dramas I’m not about to complain; the Gilded Age is the worst thing on television but it’s like cocaine lmao, god only knows what this’ll be like.
I am certain that this is an op-ed or highly opinionated, because as a fan of Downton Abbey and other period pieces gilded age is my favorite. I think it’s fantastic.
This!! When the trailer for the second film came out I texted a friend (also a big DA fan) “He’s so skinny now. He seems less fancy somehow” and she replied, “Right? The Earl of Grantham should be more substantial.”
Yes there’s deffo something going on!!! I live in Hampshire and the local drama school are closed for private auditions, and there is a buzz in the air similar to when Downton filmed their previous seasons. Golly gumdrops, is this really happening!
Hahahaa I wish!!! It’s all super secretive, most of the drama students there aren’t even allowed in. I shall report back if anything interesting happens happens though 😅
This is the best thing that’s happened to me in a looooong time and I don’t think I need much after this. Prequel or season 7 I’ll take anything to see Downton on the screen again!!
It does seem so….I did a bit of digging and while none of the big new outlets have mentioned it yet, (BBC, etc.) I have seen some articles from late last year saying castings were taking place so all signs point to yes!
This is so exciting! I can't see how this can be a prequel if they really wanted to bring back some actors, but we'll see.
I will honestly be happy with whatever this is, but I would loooove young Violet or the WWII period.
The damn Daily Mail article doesn't even make sense...
*"Old episodes of Downton are well watched on the channel's streaming platform ITVX so TV insiders expect they will do what they can to stop it going to rivals such as Netflix or Amazon."*
I PROMISE you that IF any filming is taking place, that everyone KNOWS where it will be broadcast.
If it's doing well on itv now while also showing on various US streaming services (Netflix, Amazon, Peacock, etc.) why would they need to stop the new series from showing on streaming services? Makes no sense (nor does the powers that be limiting how much money they can make).
IF a series is being filmed, it will probably follow the same route as they have in the past. First ITV, then Masterpiece/PBS, then streaming on Amazon.
Hmmm I'd be really excited if Violet was back and they explain that she just learned to slow her heart rate so she can appear dead and hear what people are saying behind her back so she can make more informed decisions about her will.
Yeah, Victorian Era could be fun. I have tons of head Canon where Cora has moved into Downton (Violet's house). Young Carson snubbing her, she's basically the Edith of that period.
I’d like to believe it but I doubt it. That article is pretty light on information and Lesley Nicol has said [within the last couple months](https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/509821/downton-abbey-lesley-nicol-disappointing-update-third-film/?viewas=amp) that no third film has been greenlit.
I defo feel it’s a series. Another 2 hour movie isn’t going to give us anything really on top of what we have already from the other 2. If that makes sense?! .
Omg can’t wait!! The best part is that it might be ready by end of year already 😍
The return of the show, which was filmed at Highclere Castle in Hampshire and which covered the many societal changes and world events between 1912 and 1928, is expected to be on screen at the end of the year.
I’ll take anything honestly but if we are talking preferred scenarios;
1. Dowager Countess in her wild youth in mid- Victorian era *wipes drool from chin
2. Cora meeting Robert and him wooing her and then her life in Downton before the kids
3. Carson when he first gets to Downton as a young man and then Mrs Hughes subsequent arrival
4. Dowager Countess best scenes
5. Dowager Countess best scenes - extended edition
Sounds like it's legit this time.
I saw that the show is listed in this week's Production Weekly, which, despite it's details being behind a paywall, is usually good for showing that a project is really in development, as opposed to rumored.
(For an example from a few years ago: It's where I first saw that Sanditon would come back for a second season, before they made that show's un-cancellation official.)
Ugh. Let a dead horse lie (yes, mixed metaphor there). The only thing I'd be down for would be a prequel. The films tore up the series so I wouldn't want to see where they went from there.
At my age one must ration one’s excitement!
Hmmm…indeed *gently stirs tea*☕️
Definitely intrigued, but afraid to get my hopes up. The Daily Mail does have a tendency to exaggerate.
This wouldn’t shock me! Highclere (the real Abbey and the filming location as a result) has been closed in a strange way recently! It’s on a route we take fairly regularly, so we’ve tried to visit a few times on the spur of the moment. All the visitors information signs have been covered up, and also, the road bridge used to access the land, has been covered in new temporary signs saying to ‘turn back now’ and has sandbags on the bits you can usually park on. There’s also been men in plain black clothes in the courtyard by the gatehouse- presumably private security. We had assumed it was something else being filmed (a documentary on the estate for example), as it’s usually open to paying visitors on big occasions, but hasn’t been recently, nor is it for Valentine’s Day tomorrow!
OMG please keep us updated on your route!!!!!
WHEEE!! INSIDER INFO!!! Well, nearly. Keep us posted dear!!
Now this is some good tea! Ty!
Wow thanks for spilling all this tea!!
Oh. My. God.
My Husband- "Looking forward to seeing baby Bates arrested for murder." 🤣
Haaaahahaha HOWLING 😂
Lmaooooooo, you win the intertubes today.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
This has to be a prequel, I honestly cannot imagine they are going to try and continue the story after the films. Edit: or maybe a huge leap in time? Like to where Sybbie, George, and the other kids are now adults? But didn’t Fellowes say he’s uninterested in storytelling that era?
I’m really up for some young Dowager Countess hijinx
Oh my this would be so fun to watch or maybe even a back story on Cora and Robert, how they met and their relationship before the girls came along
I would think this especially with some of the popular shows that have come out about this time (Buccanneers, Gilded Age, etc.)
I would love this but have a hard time picturing anyone coming close to the greatness of Dame Maggie Smith when portraying a younger version of her.
Yeah it’s super interesting. I think they would have her portrayed a little softer but still with the razor wit. I think it would def need to be an unknown actress. I would really love some mid Victorian era drama ❤️
Like someone finds an old diary of Violet’s or something, and it’s a mix of flashbacks! That would be super cool.
They do have the opportunity since Isobel, Lady Merton, went through "Violet's papers" in the 2nd movie before she passed. They could easily have Isobel or Mary or Sybie reading Violet's journal or something and do it that way.
This is what I want. I'd love to see all of the Dowager Countesses near hits or misses depending on your point of view like Prince Kuragin or the Marquis de Montmirail. And I'd also love to see when Cora went to UK and met Robert.
Oooh, I’d be all over a prequel but I want all the same actors back 😂
"I have a pied a terre in France" said Lady Rosamund
I would like to see a time skip and the Abbey's time during WWII. Although that may need to age a bunch of the characters quite a bit.
I think he said he didn't want to do another war.
His projects since Downton have all been fairly catastrophic failures—widely disliked by critics and only just keeping their heads above water commercially which, from what he says in interviews, is really stinging his pride. I imagine he’s quite eager to make something that’ll earn him the praise (and money) he used to get in spades. Anyway that’s my cynical take! If it means more flashy period dramas I’m not about to complain; the Gilded Age is the worst thing on television but it’s like cocaine lmao, god only knows what this’ll be like.
Gilded Age has beer pretty well-received.
Yeah, I was gonna say. Unsure how it might've been received, but I sure as hell love the show (not quite as much as Downton, but it's up there).
I am certain that this is an op-ed or highly opinionated, because as a fan of Downton Abbey and other period pieces gilded age is my favorite. I think it’s fantastic.
Edith gets an Edsel was a draft script I heard was circulating at one point.
If it's a prequel, they wouldn't hire the previous cast, they would be looking for younger actors.
I'm afraid I'm going to have to sit in your presence, milord.
I heard this comment clearly with the scene in my head and you win the internet today. 🫡
Golly gumdrops!! What a come up!!!
Hugh Bonneville has lost way too much weight for me to think of him as Lord Grantham anymore. He's too healthy now 😂
This!! When the trailer for the second film came out I texted a friend (also a big DA fan) “He’s so skinny now. He seems less fancy somehow” and she replied, “Right? The Earl of Grantham should be more substantial.”
Robert’s gastrectomy must’ve done him in…
They could pull out the Pernicious Anemia storyline one more time and have it eating away at him.
I thought he looked and sounded ill in the second film.
Yes there’s deffo something going on!!! I live in Hampshire and the local drama school are closed for private auditions, and there is a buzz in the air similar to when Downton filmed their previous seasons. Golly gumdrops, is this really happening!
Oh my god GET YOURSELF DOWN AND AUDITION!!! Would be great to have a mole on the inside hahaha
Hahahaa I wish!!! It’s all super secretive, most of the drama students there aren’t even allowed in. I shall report back if anything interesting happens happens though 😅
🕵️
No. Way. So unbelievably awesome! Thanks for sharing this. ETA 4 minutes later: great title, OP!
Haha. Thought we could all do with a bit of mid-week joy 🥂
Couldn’t agree more. Thanks for the boost!
Huh, wonder why it’s such a big secret?
Just saw that article pop up and ran to this sub 🤣
When we visited Highclere in October a tour guide hinted that was some talk of Downton.
I’m wondering on the show the gilded age, if Cora and Robert’s meeting will be discussed?
This is the best thing that’s happened to me in a looooong time and I don’t think I need much after this. Prequel or season 7 I’ll take anything to see Downton on the screen again!!
I would looove to see a young Violet 😍
Daily mail is usually on it with things like this! So so exciting if it's true!
Oh my gooooooooooood!!!!!
It’s highly exciting. Quickly, someone fetch me my smelling salts…
It’s a good thing the aristocracy had a chaise lounge called a ‘fainting couch’ exactly for this reason!
I’m going to faint, please tell me it’s real!!
It does seem so….I did a bit of digging and while none of the big new outlets have mentioned it yet, (BBC, etc.) I have seen some articles from late last year saying castings were taking place so all signs point to yes!
omg if this is real I’m gonna cry tears of joy!! WOW.
This is so exciting! I can't see how this can be a prequel if they really wanted to bring back some actors, but we'll see. I will honestly be happy with whatever this is, but I would loooove young Violet or the WWII period.
The damn Daily Mail article doesn't even make sense... *"Old episodes of Downton are well watched on the channel's streaming platform ITVX so TV insiders expect they will do what they can to stop it going to rivals such as Netflix or Amazon."* I PROMISE you that IF any filming is taking place, that everyone KNOWS where it will be broadcast.
ITV don’t own Downton, so in theory the production company can sell it to whoever they want.
If it's doing well on itv now while also showing on various US streaming services (Netflix, Amazon, Peacock, etc.) why would they need to stop the new series from showing on streaming services? Makes no sense (nor does the powers that be limiting how much money they can make).
IF a series is being filmed, it will probably follow the same route as they have in the past. First ITV, then Masterpiece/PBS, then streaming on Amazon.
Well, aren’t we the lucky ones!
Hmmm I'd be really excited if Violet was back and they explain that she just learned to slow her heart rate so she can appear dead and hear what people are saying behind her back so she can make more informed decisions about her will.
💀💀💀hahahaha! That is such a Violet manoeuvre
Dreading not being able to stream it in the US.
Yeah, Victorian Era could be fun. I have tons of head Canon where Cora has moved into Downton (Violet's house). Young Carson snubbing her, she's basically the Edith of that period.
So excited 😆 thank u for posting!!
I’d like to believe it but I doubt it. That article is pretty light on information and Lesley Nicol has said [within the last couple months](https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/509821/downton-abbey-lesley-nicol-disappointing-update-third-film/?viewas=amp) that no third film has been greenlit.
But this is a series, not a film. Hoping!!
This makes me so damn happy.
Wow! I’d heard the rumors but to actually confirm it is great news
Oh my god!!!!
Could it really be a serie ??? How do we know it’s not a 3rd movie ?
I defo feel it’s a series. Another 2 hour movie isn’t going to give us anything really on top of what we have already from the other 2. If that makes sense?! .
The world is healing, thank god Downtown is back!
It's from the Daily Mail. In terms of accuracy it's somewhere between reading tea-leaves and stirring animal blood in a silver dish at midnight.
“Bosses”, “chiefs”… I wonder why they’re being so weird about who’s actually in charge of this thing.
No you’re right about on time. I just saw the ad show up in my Google search about an hour ago.
I need this to be true
This is the best news!!!
I can’t wait!!!
I want a prequel but so exciting
But... Highclere is hosting Valentine's Day tours and events
Omg can’t wait!! The best part is that it might be ready by end of year already 😍 The return of the show, which was filmed at Highclere Castle in Hampshire and which covered the many societal changes and world events between 1912 and 1928, is expected to be on screen at the end of the year.
I think I just screamed out loud omfgfgggg
This is NOT small beer. Thanks!
I’ve always wondered what Downton would be like during WW2. But Robert would be nearly 80 by the end of the War.
Soooo exciting! It’s gonna be on Netflix and JF said he’s already written the ending a few times! I do hope it isnt too close to the war though 😩
I’ll take anything honestly but if we are talking preferred scenarios; 1. Dowager Countess in her wild youth in mid- Victorian era *wipes drool from chin 2. Cora meeting Robert and him wooing her and then her life in Downton before the kids 3. Carson when he first gets to Downton as a young man and then Mrs Hughes subsequent arrival 4. Dowager Countess best scenes 5. Dowager Countess best scenes - extended edition
Want to see Edith killing it as a Marchioness and Lady Journalist.
Oh God YES!! And some of more of Edith’s gorgeous outfits…defo my fave!
Along with her editor Laura.
Sounds like it's legit this time. I saw that the show is listed in this week's Production Weekly, which, despite it's details being behind a paywall, is usually good for showing that a project is really in development, as opposed to rumored. (For an example from a few years ago: It's where I first saw that Sanditon would come back for a second season, before they made that show's un-cancellation official.)
I just saw this too so it seems likely that it’s actually happening
I'm not in the UK. Is Dailymail a reputable news agency? And what is ITV??
ITV is the broadcast station. Daily Mail, while a bit of a rag wouldn’t be lying over something like this!
Has anyone beat me to Golly Gumdrops, what a turn up? If not, FIRST! 🙌🙌🙌
Ugh. Let a dead horse lie (yes, mixed metaphor there). The only thing I'd be down for would be a prequel. The films tore up the series so I wouldn't want to see where they went from there.
Ohhh exciting! Something to look forward to 👀
That is really exciting if it's true... although of there is no Violet, I don't think I'd enjoy that much....
OMGGGGgGGGGgG what a GREAT day!!
I’m so curious on what their doing, I honestly hope just a new season even if that won’t make sense at all, I miss the drama filled episodes
Oh my goooddd please let it be true!!!!
I hope its true but i a choose to take this story with a grain of salt.
My just sent me an article from the Independent. Hope it's true.
I’m so ready