Downton Abbey creator talks potential third movie: "You never know"

In an interview with this week's Radio Times magazine, Downton creator Julian Fellowes revealed that a third film is still possible, but it's currently all up in the air.

Fellowes said: “You never know if more is going to be wanted. After every series, after the first film, and now after the second, each time I have said a heart-wrenching goodbye to these people... and then here we are back again."

Fellowes continued: “I invented them all, I’m their father, and I do feel a kind of obligation towards them, and I’m fond of them.

"It sounds rather romantic to say that, but also you do want to give a really good evening to the people who’ve been faithful to us for so many years.

"People talk about stage plays and further movies, but I think it will be made clear to me if there’s a strong demand, and if that’s what people want, then I won’t fight it."

Meanwhile Mary Crawley actress Michelle Dockery confirmed that while she loves "coming back to this role and being with [her] Downton family", any potential sequel comes down to the involvement of Fellowes and the show's creators "and if they feel that it has a life after this sequel".

Dockery said: “I’ve loved playing Mary and it does feel like I’ve grown up with her. There is such a comfort in that feeling of family.”

The first Downton Abbey film was a smash-hit at the box office, grossing just shy of $200 million worldwide, so if that trend continues with A New Era it seems like we could indeed be returning to the famous Yorkshire country estate again in the not-so-distant future.

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Downton Abbey: A New Era will be released in cinemas on Friday 29th April 2022. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what's on tonight.