A new era dawns for the Crawley family as they prepare to hit the screen again on May 20, 2022. Ever since the hit drama Downton Abbey premiered 12 years ago, it has had a faithful following who have been engrossed with the trials and tribulations of the family. The first series was set in 1912, revolving around the sinking of the Titanic. Following the TV series is the 2019 spin-off film, Downton Abbey, which is set in 1927 and centers on the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Downton. And now, owing once again to its spectacular fanbase, Downton Abbey: A New Era is bringing the Crawley family back.

The sequel was initially scheduled to be released on December 22, 2021. However, it was pushed back to March 18, 2022, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was then made to move it back further on January 26th in the hopes that audiences would feel more comfortable returning to the cinema in the spring.

Plot: What We Know

Cast
Focus Features 

Most plot details about the movie have been kept under tight wraps, but the first teaser trailer, released on November 15th, revealed crucial plot details. The audience is given a breathtakingly stunning view of the fictional Yorkshire estate before transitioning into the parlor scene. It is here that one of the most important aspects of the storyline is revealed. To the astonishment of all those around her, Lady Violet (Maggie Smith) says, "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."

The official trailer, released after the teaser trailer, also reveals further plot details. Different clips of the movie allow the audience to glimpse into the sojourn to the South of France and the mystery surrounding Lady Violet's past, the wedding taking place, and the film being produced at Downton.

With so many events going on at once, the film will be an exciting ride for fans who will undoubtedly get wrapped up in extravagant soirées, character struggles, and family drama.

A New Era

Downton Abbey characters
Focus Features

Although a central theme of Downton Abbey has always been the change that comes with time, screenwriter and creator Julian Fellowes has said that this sequel will constitute an entirely new era of change for the Crawley family. Speaking to People, Fellowes said, "[the] Crawleys of Downton are nearly in the 1930s, which is merely the beginning of the modern world…the further the '20s went along, the more the world was changing in so many ways. Everything from entertainment to transport was really different by the end of the '20s." Fellowes' comments reiterate that massive change will be a central theme of the plot of Downton Abbey: A New Era.

Related: Best Movies Expanded from TV Shows, RankedFellowes also emphasized that Downton Abbey 2 will be an "unashamedly feel-good film" and will closely follow the narrative of Lady Mary Crawley in its mission to pioneer for broader social change.

Cast: Who Will We See?

Myrna Dalgleish
Focus Features

As per the film studio, "Downton Abbey: A New Era reunites the original principal cast. In addition to the original cast, Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye, and Dominic West will join the cast." Fans can expect that many favorites from the first film will be reprising their roles in the sequel. This includes Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Elizabeth McGovern as Cora, Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary, Maggie Smith as Lady Violet Crawley, Jim Carter as Mr. Carson, and Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith Crawley.

Related: These Are Maggie Smith's Best Moments in Downton AbbeyThe trailer's most notable new faces include Laura Haddock as Myrna Dalgleish and actor Dominic West. Although little detail has been revealed about the character and role of Haddock, other than the striking depiction portrayed in the trailer, we do know that West will play a wealthy aristocrat who has been invited to stay at Downton Abbey by Lord Grantham.

Nathalie Baye is another essential character plot-wise. She is set to play an old friend of Lady Violet and therefore constitutes a link to Lady Violet's mystery enshrouded past.

Is the Dowager Countess Back?

maggie-smith-downton-abbey
ITV

Maggie Smith is perhaps a surprise return to the cast list of Downton Abbey: A New Era. Some of the last lines of the eternally witty character in the first Downton Abbey conveyed that the actress was perhaps bidding farewell to Downton. Lady Violet tells her family members that she has "lived a privileged and an interesting life, and now it's time to go. I'm leaving the family and the place that I treasure in talented hands."

She also appears to pass on the ropes to Mary, saying that she is the "future of Downton." However, for most fans, the return of the Dowager Countess is most certainly a welcome inclusion.

Release Date

The wait for the new Downton Abbey film has undoubtedly been a long one. Downton Abbey: A New Era will premiere on May 20, 2022. Although the release date has been repeatedly pushed back, this has not, in any way, meant that the loyal fanbase of the Crawley family has diminished.

The storyline, characters, mystery, and drama of Downton Abbey have ensured a tight hold on its following, and eager fans now look forward in excitement and anticipation to everything that the New Era will bring.