When a TV show like ‘Downton Abbey’ runs for six seasons, it is material for a full length movie. It depicts a period drama that earned accolades and its creator Julian Fellowes, and producer Gareth Neame, have decided to make it into a movie. It is expected to retain the "original principal cast," and will be directed by Brian Percival, who directed the Downton pilot. Fellowes will be a co-producer.
Sky News reports that the screenplay has already been written by Fellowes and production is scheduled to begin later this summer. The story is about the Crawley family and their servants who live in an Edwardian English country home.
Movie version of ‘Downtown Abbey’
Normally a TV show that runs for a long time is a different kettle of fish compared to a movie that has to tell its story within a couple of hours. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how the movie version of “Downton Abbey” can win over viewers. Transition from the small screen to the big one is not easy. Those who have seen the TV show will draw parallels with the original. On the other hand, those who see it for the first time should not be disappointed. Julian Fellowes and Gareth Neame will have to ensure that the movie is able to hold the interest of the audience.
The original had Joanne Froggatt in the role of Anna Bates. Her fellow stars were Michelle Dockery and Dame Maggie Smith.
Dockery played Lady Mary Crawley in the hit show while Laura Carmichael enacted the role of Lady Edith Crawley. The last episode of “Downton Abbey” was aired on Christmas Day, 2015 and it became the most nominated non-American TV show in the history of the Emmy Awards.
‘Downton Abbey’ will be a change
Movies today are usually fast paced with plenty of action and animation.
Therefore, a period movie like “Downton Abbey” will be a welcome change for the viewers who have become used to sci-fi movies with robots at war or animation movies that deal with outsized and imaginary characters.
BBC confirmed that Brian Percival will direct the film. He has already directed “The Book Thief,” “About a Girl” and the “Downton Abbey” pilot.
The story is set in an Edwardian English country home at the turn of the 20th Century. The story of the Crawley family and their servants was very popular and one of its rewards included a special BAFTA tribute in 2015. Julian Fellowes started work on it in 2016 because he wanted to be ready for the film once he got the go-ahead.
