Locking its plot away in a vault much in the same fashion as, say, the latest Marvel release, the long-awaited Downton Abbey film has largely been a mystery. Now we have a little more information to go on, as the first proper trailer has arrived – as if by royal invitation.
The film brings things forward to 1927 – two years after the series ended – and sees Lord Grantham and co preparing for a royal visit. King George V is en route to the stately home, causing much excitement in the community. It's good that we have some idea of the story, as the build up to this one has been so focused on the titular stately home we were starting to wonder if it involved Downton itself rampaging across the countryside, gobbling up other country piles a la Mortal Engines's traction cities.
The gang's all here for this one, with the likes of Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery and indeed the majority of the small screen cast returning. And fans of the Dowager Countess can rest assured that Maggie Smith's beloved character seems to be on her usual sharp-tongued form.
Downton Abbey arrives on 13 September.
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