‘We’re Desperate To Do It’: Downton Abbey Hugh Bonneville reveals he saw a movie sequel script and will make the film ‘once Covid is under control’
Hugh Bonneville has revealed that he has seen a script for a sequel to a Downton Abbey film, saying this is likely to happen if Covid is “sensibly under control.”
The actor, 57, who plays Lord Grantham in the 2019 film and the previous series of the hit drama, talked about plans for another movie on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show.
He told the BBC Radio 2 show, ‘This is the deal, if everyone who is offered a vaccine takes a vaccine, we can make a movie, we’ll make a movie.’
Available soon? Hugh Bonneville has revealed that he has seen a script for a sequel to the Downton Abbey film, saying it will likely happen if Covid is “ sensibly under control ”
The actor, who is a volunteer marshal at a Covid vaccination center, told Zoe that he has seen a script for the film and added, ‘The planets are circling. They begin to align.
“There is such a thing as the coronavirus and until that is controlled sensibly, we cannot get all those ducks in a row.”
He added: ‘But it is certainly the intention to do it. We would love to. We are desperate to do it. ‘
Hugh also said he thinks audiences will ‘enjoy’ another Downton movie after the ‘mess we have thought of’ last year.
In character: The actor, 57, plays Lord Grantham in the 2019 film and the previous series of the hit period drama (pictured with Elizabeth McGovern as Cora, Lady Grantham)
In the film Downton Abbey, beloved characters Robert (Hugh) and Cora Crawley (Elizabeth McGovern) said that they will be visited by the King and Queen and that the estate should prepare for the royal visit.
However, the family faces a number of setbacks and problems, including a suspected attack.
Cast members including Matthew Goode, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery and Dame Maggie Smith all returned for the film.
On Thursday, the Daily Mail announced that Maggie Smith, who plays Violet Crawley, and French actress Nathalie Baye will appear together in Downton 2.
Fingers crossed: Hugh said ‘if everyone who is offered a vaccine takes a vaccine, we can make a movie’ (photo Michelle Dockery as Mary and Elizabeth as Cora in the 2019 film)
The film’s sequel to Downton Abbey will begin in late March or early April with filming following Covid’s strictest security protocols.
Downton 2 will be Grantham’s Dowager Countess’s final hurray. The theatrical lady has been delighting Downton fans since the series, created by Julian Fellowes, launched on ITV in 2010.
In the new Downton movie, Mrs. Baye plays an old friend of Violet’s who comes to visit her. Of course, as usual, the Countess will be surrounded 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 also take center stage; along with her sister, Lady Edith, played by Laura Carmichael.
Interesting: The sequel is believed to be Dowager Countess Violet Crawley’s last hurray and will see her boyfriend come to visit (Maggie Smith depicted in character)