Everything to Know About 'Downton Abbey: A New Era'

Discover the mystery and picture the possibilities.

The Crawley family heads to the South of France in Downton Abbey: A New Era, the sequel to the 2019 film based on the acclaimed British series. Fans of the franchise were first introduced to the post-Edwardian England, early 1900s family and their staff members in 2010, as historical moments unfolded around them, including the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, the Spanish influenza and more. The drama ran for six seasons, ending in December 2015.

A New Era marks the franchise's second feature film, with the sequel picking up right where the last left off. With just months before its highly anticipated release, here is everything to know about Downton Abbey: A New Era.

When Will It Come Out?

A New Era was originally scheduled to be released on Dec. 22, 2021. However, amid the pandemic, it was rescheduled and is now slated to arrive in theaters on May 20, 2022 in the U.S. A New Era is also expected to stream on Peacock 45 days after the U.S. premiere date.

Who's Behind the Sequel?

Series creator Julian Fellowes returned to pen the sequel, while Simon Curtis replaced Michael Engler as director. Fellowes, Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge served as producers.

Who's in It?

Returning characters include Maggie Smith (Dowager Countess Violet Crawley), Hugh Bonneville (Robert Crawley), Elizabeth McGovern (Cora Crawley), Michelle Dockery (Mary Crawley), Laura Carmichael (Edith Pelham), Penelope Wilton (Isobel Grey, Lady Merton), Allen Leech (Tom Branson), Joanne Froggatt (Anna Bates), Brendan Coyle (John Bates), Sophie McShera (Daisy Parker), Lesley Nicol (Mrs. Patmore), Jim Carter (Charles Carson), Tuppence Middleton (Lucy Smith), Imelda Staunton (Maud Bagshaw), Phyllis Logan (Elsie Carson), Robert James-Collier (Thomas Barrow), Kevin Doyle (Joseph Molesley) and Harry Hadden-Paton (Bertie Pelham).

Joining the cast are Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye, Dominic West and Jonathan Zaccaï in new roles.

What's 'New Era' About?

The first film saw the king and queen of England visit the Crawley family at their estate. New Era picks up right where the first film left off, taking place in the late 1920s. The sequel is a departure from the series and first film, as the Crawley family heads to the South of France after Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham, tells them that she has inherited a villa. It marks the first main story away from the Crawley manor.

"Years ago, before you were born, I met a man and now I've come into the possession of a villa in the south of France," Violet kicks off in the teaser trailer, released in November. The Crawleys then go on holiday to the French Riviera, as they attempt to find out who this former suitor is.

The modern world also comes to Downton with the new players involved. Dancy portrays producer and director Mr. Barber, who inquires about making a film at Downton, with Haddock taking on the role of movie star Myrna Dalgliesh and West portraying another actor in Mr. Barber's film.

Is There an Official Trailer?

The official trailer was released on Feb. 15, and it shows all the returning and new cast members in the mix and teases the storyline.

How Can I Catch Up on 'Downton Abbey'?

The complete Downton Abbey series, season 1 through season 6, is available on Netflix. The first film is streaming on Peacock.

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