Focus Features and Carnival Films have announced that principal photography is now underway on the long-rumoured Downton Abbey movie.
The film will see the return of cast members Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Joanne Froggatt, Phyllis Logan, Lesley Nicol, Sophie McShera, Penelope Wilton, Rob James-Collier.
New additions include Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake), Geraldine James (Beast), Simon Jones (Brideshead Revisited), David Haig (Penny Dreadful), Tuppence Middleton (The Imitation Game), Kate Phillips (The Crown) and Stephen Campbell Moore (Lark Rise to Candleford).
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes has written the screenplay for the movie and will produce alongside Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge. Michael Engler (30 Rock, Sex And The City), who helmed several episodes of the TV show, is returning to direct.
SEE ALSO: Lily James won’t be returning for Downton Abbey movie
“We are excited that photography is about to start on the long awaited film and that the beloved main characters will be joined by such exceptional actors playing new roles unique to the movie,” said Carnival Films’ Gareth Neame.
