Hugh Bonneville's bottom line: I’ll do a Downton Abbey film... but please take my name off the dog’s behind!
- The actor wants to see the end of the unfortunate opening sequence
- His billing in the ITV series became something of a running joke
- Plans for a Downton movie are currently moving ahead
- He once quipped: ‘Someone up there hates me. It’s an interesting opening choice’
Making any movie involves striking intricate deals with demanding actors, often with delicate egos.
Now Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville has laid down his bottom line for appearing in a big-screen version of the hit period drama – his name must not share the screen with a dog’s backside.
His billing in the opening credits of the ITV series became something of a running joke, as for the six years the show was on air his name appeared alongside the back end of a labrador.
The title sequence even led to fans using the affectionate Twitter hashtag #HoundsBum to talk about the show.
The billing for the series became something on an ongoing joke, with fans creating the affectionate Twitter hashtag #HoundsBum
Downton creator Julian Fellowes and producer Gareth Neame are still developing the movie, and details remain a closely guarded secret
But as plans for a Downton film move ahead, an insider said: ‘Hugh has said he’s cool with anything, so long as his name isn’t over the dog’s bum in the opening credits.’
It’s not the first time that the actor, who plays the Earl of Grantham, has brought up the unfortunate juxtaposition.
In a 2012 interview he displayed a sense of humour over the apparent ignominy, saying: ‘Someone up there hates me. It’s an interesting opening choice.’
Downton creator Julian Fellowes and producer Gareth Neame are still developing the movie, and details remain a closely guarded secret.
Jim Carter, who plays Carson the butler (pictured, right, with Hugh Bonneville), revealed that cast members ‘have been asked to keep ourselves available at dates in the future’
But speculation that filming is due to start soon was heightened this month when Jim Carter, who plays Carson the butler, revealed that cast members ‘have been asked to keep ourselves available at dates in the future’.
Dame Maggie Smith is said to be returning as the waspish Dowager Countess, alongside Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary, Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith and Lily James as Lady Rose.
The casting of the dog is less certain. Lord Grantham’s first labrador, Pharaoh, was killed off early on.
A second dog, called Isis, was killed off in series five, although Bonneville denied the decision was forced because of the notoriety of the Islamic State terror group, also known as IS. His final canine companion was called Tiaa, after an ancient Egyptian queen.
Most watched News videos
- Gloria Williams waves extradition for kidnapping Kamiyah Mobley
- Enraged kick-boxer strikes husband's mistress NINE times
- Man takes his cat Weston Sledding in the snow
- Semi truck clips snow plow in Spanish Fork Canyon
- Sheep attack shepherd after being frightened by a car in Germany
- She's falling for him? Girl gets 'pushed off ledge in prank' video
- Female bullfighter is mounted by young bull
- Disgusting moment cyst puss eruption covers cell phone
- Amber Sherlock makes Julie Snook change before TV appearance
- 2017's luckiest man: Pedro Grendene Bartelle win's $3.5m
- Legal implications for Gloria Williams who kidnapped Kamiyah Mobley
- MailOnline tries the hardest and most dangerous gym class
- 'Liberal snowflake' Hollywood stars come under fire for...
- Did she know? Cops says teen suspected she was kidnapped as...
- US Army soldier based at Fort Hood is found dead - making...
- Opera star Andrea Bocelli backs out of singing at Trump's...
- Reunited at last! Teen meets her biological parents for...
- Man 'catches married female dance teacher, 38, having sex...
- EXCLUSIVE: Shock for Harry's girl: Meghan Markle's BROTHER...
- Trump branded 'loathsome' for attacking civil rights hero...
- Gun-wielding nurse 'slaughtered her husband and two teen...
- Miss Hungary claims married Donald Trump 'invited her to his...
- What drought? Before and after photos show how California...
- Robin Thicke takes cops to ex's house after son refuses to...