Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville reveals he’s seen a script for a film sequel

‘We are desperate to do it’: Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville reveals he’s seen a film sequel script and will make the movie ‘once Covid is under control’

Hugh Bonneville has revealed he’s seen a script for a Downton Abbey film sequel, saying it’s likely to happen once Covid is ‘under control in a sensible way’. 

The actor, 57, who plays Lord Grantham in the 2019 movie and previous series of the hit period drama, chatted about plans for another film on Zoe Ball Breakfast Show.

He told BBC Radio 2 show: ‘Here’s the deal, if everybody who is offered a vaccine takes a vaccine, we can make a movie, we will make a movie.’ 

Coming soon? Hugh Bonneville has revealed he’s seen a script for a Downton Abbey film sequel, saying it’s likely to happen once Covid is ‘under control in a sensible way’

The actor, who is a volunteer marshal at a Covid vaccination centre, told Zoe he’s seen a script for the film and added: ‘The planets are circling. They are beginning to get into alignment.

‘There is a thing called coronavirus knocking around and until that is under control in a sensible way, we are not going to be able to get all those ducks in a row.’

He added: ‘But there is certainly the intention to do it. We would love to do it. We are desperate to do it.’

Hugh also said that he thinks audiences would ‘enjoy’ another Downton movie after the ‘mess we have been thought’ in the past year.   

In character: The actor, 57, plays Lord Grantham in the 2019 movie and previous series of the hit period drama (pictured with Elizabeth McGovern as Cora, Lady Grantham)

In character: The actor, 57, plays Lord Grantham in the 2019 movie and previous series of the hit period drama (pictured with Elizabeth McGovern as Cora, Lady Grantham)

The Downton Abbey movie saw beloved characters Robert (Hugh) and Cora Crawley (Elizabeth McGovern) told that they will be visited by the King and Queen and the estate have to prepare for the royal visit.

However the family have to deal with a number of set backs and problems along the way including a suspected assassin attempt. 

Cast members including Matthew Goode, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, Dame Maggie Smith all returned for the film. 

On Thursday, the Daily Mail revealed that Maggie Smith, who plays Violet Crawley, and French actress Nathalie Baye will appear together in Downton 2.

Fingers crossed: Hugh said 'if everybody who is offered a vaccine takes a vaccine, we can make a movie' (pictured Michelle Dockery as Mary and Elizabeth as Cora in the 2019 film)

Fingers crossed: Hugh said ‘if everybody who is offered a vaccine takes a vaccine, we can make a movie’ (pictured Michelle Dockery as Mary and Elizabeth as Cora in the 2019 film)

The Downton Abbey film sequel is due to begin shooting in late March or early April under the strictest Covid safety protocols.

Downton 2 will be the Dowager Countess of Grantham’s last hurrah. The theatrical dame has been delighting Downton fans since the series, created by Julian Fellowes, launched on ITV back in 2010.

In the new Downton film, Ms Baye will play an old friend of Violet’s who comes to visit her. Of course, the countess will be surrounded, as usual, by her family — including Hugh’s Lord Grantham and Elizabeth McGovern as his wife Cora. 

Michelle Dockery’s Lady Mary and husband Henry (Matthew Goode) will be centre stage, too; along with her sister, Lady Edith, played by Laura Carmichael. 

Interesting: The sequel is thought to be Dowager Countess Violet Crawley's last hurrah and will see her friend come to visit (Maggie Smith pictured in character)

Interesting: The sequel is thought to be Dowager Countess Violet Crawley’s last hurrah and will see her friend come to visit (Maggie Smith pictured in character)