Universal Pictures has debuted a number of first-look images for the highly anticipated sequel ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era.’

The original principal cast has returned for the second film along with new additions Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye and Dominic West.

The screenplay is written by Downton creator and Academy-Award® winner Julian Fellowes, with Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning Gareth Neame and Emmy Award-winning Liz Trubridge producing with Fellowes.

DOWNTON ABBEY: A New Era
(l-r.) Harry Hadden-Paton stars as Bertie Pelham, Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith, Tuppence Middleton as Lucy Smith and Allen Leech as Tom Branson in DOWNTON ABBEY: A New Era, a Focus Features release.
Credit: Ben Blackall / © 2021 Focus Features, LLC

BAFTA and Emmy nominated Simon Curtis (My Week with Marilyn) is directing. The initial film followed a Royal Visit to the Crawley family and Downton staff from the King and Queen of England and ended with a ball fitting for the Royal Family. Plot details for the follow-up have yet to be released.

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DOWNTON ABBEY: A New Era
Laura Haddock stars as Myrna Dalgleish and Michael Fox as Andy in DOWNTON ABBEY: A New Era, a Focus Features release.
Credit: Ben Blackall / © 2021 Focus Features, LLC

Gareth Neame, the film’s producer and executive chairman of Carnival Films previously stated, “After a very challenging year with so many of us separated from family and friends, it is a huge comfort to think that better times are ahead and that next Christmas we will be reunited with the much-beloved characters of Downton Abbey.”   

DOWNTON ABBEY: A New Era
Sophie McShera stars as Daisy and Lesley Nicol stars as Mrs. Patmore in DOWNTON ABBEY: A New Era, a Focus Features release.
Credit: Ben Blackall / © 2021 Focus Features, LLC

The film will be released in the UK on Friday, March 18, 2022. Universal Pictures International will release internationally on the same date.