Downton Abbey movie finally releases first trailer as the Crawley family prepare for a royal visit, the staff lead a mutiny and Branson finds love again

  • The Downton Abbey film hits cinemas in September with the first trailer released on Tuesday
  • The ITV show aired its final episode in 2015 after six series 
  • Picking up in 1927 (over a year after the endpoint of the series), the trailer is based on changing times, and sees the Crawley family and their staff preparing for a royal visit from George V and Queen Mary
  • Michelle Dockery, Maggie Smith and Huge Bonneville all return to their roles
  • New faces include Killing Eve actor David Haig as the King's butler 
  • The King and Queen are played by Simon Jones and Geraldine James
  • The much loved period drama, written by Julian Fellowes, ran for six series between 2010 and 2015 and won several accolades including Emmys and Golden Globes 

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The Downton Abbey movie hits cinema screens in September, and on Tuesday fans were finally given their first look at the hugely anticipated big screen spin off from the TV favourite.

The first trailer was unveiled, featuring all of the much-loved cast from the ITV show penned by Julian Fellowes, which aired its final episode in 2015 after six series. 

Picking up in 1927 (over a year after the endpoint of the series), the trailer is based on changing times, and sees the Crawley family and their staff preparing for a royal visit from George V and Queen Mary.

They're back: The Downton Abbey movie hits cinema screens in September, and on Tuesday fans were finally given their first look at the hugely anticipated big screen spin off from the TV favourite

They're back: The Downton Abbey movie hits cinema screens in September, and on Tuesday fans were finally given their first look at the hugely anticipated big screen spin off from the TV favourite

The trailer opens with Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) asking his mother the Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith) if she wants to stay for dinner, remarking 'it's a buffet.'

The family matriarch is unsure though, exclaiming 'well I'm not changed,' only to be told she just needs to take off her hat for such a low-key occasion. 'You talk as if that were easy.' she quips.

As the words 'They live like royalty but are they ready for the real thing?' flash up on screen, Lord Grantham is seen getting important post, revealing to his family 'Heavens, the King and Queen are coming to stay,' while his mother predicts 'here we go.'

Hugely anticipated: he first trailer was unveiled this week, featuring all of the much-loved cast from the ITV show, which aired its final episode in 2015 after six series

Hugely anticipated: he first trailer was unveiled this week, featuring all of the much-loved cast from the ITV show, which aired its final episode in 2015 after six series

Royal visit: Picking up in 1927 (over a year after the endpoint of the series), the trailer is based on changing times, and sees the Crawley family and their staff preparing for a royal visit from George V and Queen Mary

 Royal visit: Picking up in 1927 (over a year after the endpoint of the series), the trailer is based on changing times, and sees the Crawley family and their staff preparing for a royal visit from George V and Queen Mary

You've got mail: Lord Grantham is seen getting important post, revealing to his family 'Heavens, the King and Queen are coming to stay,' You've got mail: Lord Grantham is seen getting important post, revealing to his family 'Heavens, the King and Queen are coming to stay,' while his mother predicts 'here we go
Apprehensive; The outspoken Dowager doesn't look thrilled by the news

You've got mail: Lord Grantham is seen getting important post, revealing to his family 'Heavens, the King and Queen are coming to stay,' while his mother predicts 'here we go'

It's a flurry of activity as both upstairs and downstairs prepare for the regal visit. 'A royal luncheon, a parade and a dinner? I'm going to have to sit down,' declares cook Mrs Patmore (Lesley Nicol). 

The film's new faces feature in the trailer as Killing Eve and Four Weddings star David Haig makes his first appearance as the King's butler, paying an advance visit to check things are in order. 

He is seen clashing with Mrs Hughes (Phyllis Logan) while a new French chef riles up Mrs Patmore. 

Grand entrance: The film's new faces feature in the trailer as Killing Eve and Four Weddings star David Haig makes his first appearance as the King's butler, paying an advance visit to check things are in order

Grand entrance: The film's new faces feature in the trailer as Killing Eve and Four Weddings star David Haig makes his first appearance as the King's butler, paying an advance visit to check things are in order

Help needed: Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) who takes matters into her hands by paying a visit to her beloved butler (Jim Carter) to ask the retired head of household to return to the Abbey to assist

Help needed: Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) who takes matters into her hands by paying a visit to her beloved butler (Jim Carter) to ask the retired head of household to return to the Abbey to assist

Paying a visit: Lady Mary is seen walking to Carson and Mrs Hughes' idyllic cottage on the Downton estate

Paying a visit: Lady Mary is seen walking to Carson and Mrs Hughes' idyllic cottage on the Downton estate

Familiar face:  'I'll be there in the morning m'lady' he reassures her despite retiring from service in the 2015 finale

Familiar face:  'I'll be there in the morning m'lady' he reassures her despite retiring from service in the 2015 finale

'The royal butler's terribly scary' decides Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) who takes matters into her hands by paying a visit to her beloved butler (Jim Carter) to ask the retired head of household to return to the Abbey to assist. 'I'll be there in the morning m'lady' he reassures her. 

Another new face is Tuppence Middleton, who plays Lucy the maid of another fresh character Lady Bagshawe, played by Imelda Staunton, who is seen having her own run in with the Dowager.

Lucy is a new love interest for Tom Branson (Allen Leech) following the death of his wife Lady Sybil Crawley seven years previously. 'Might as well admit, I like her,' he delightedly tells sister-in-law Lady Mary, but the Dowager is wary, declaring 'She's a scheming little minx.'

VIPs coming to town: It's a flurry of activity as both upstairs and downstairs prepare for the regal visit

VIPs coming to town: It's a flurry of activity as both upstairs and downstairs prepare for the regal visit

Clashes: The King's butler is seen having some stern words with Downton's staff
Who's the boss? Mrs Hughes faces off with the visiting member of staff

Clashes: The King's butler is seen having some stern words with Downton's staff including an irate Mrs Hughes (right)

Downstairs: Mrs Patmore (Lesley Nicol), Mrs Hughes (Phyllis Logan) and Daisy (Sophie McShera) all make an appearance

Downstairs: Mrs Patmore (Lesley Nicol), Mrs Hughes (Phyllis Logan) and Daisy (Sophie McShera) all make an appearance

Competition: After returning to the Abbey, Carson seems to be taking no nonsense from his new rival

Competition: After returning to the Abbey, Carson seems to be taking no nonsense from his new rival 

Lady Bagshawe doesn't agree, calling the Dowager's remarks 'piffle' which leads to a telling off from Lord Grantham who tells the pair 'there is no need to argue'. 'I never argue I explain,' says the Dowager in another of the trailer's one-liners.

Downstairs there's even more drama as the staff feel put out when the royal butlers and maids take over the household. 'We want to defend Downton's honour' declares Anna Bates (Joanne Froggatt). 'We think we should fight back,' her husband Mr Bates (Brendan Cole) agrees, but a shocked Carson tells them 'this is treason!'

The theme of change rings through the trailer as Lady Mary is seen questioning if the household will survive a new era. 'The last few days have made me think. What are we doing? Should we really go on with it?' she laments.

New faces: Imelda Staunton plays a new character of Lady Bagshawe who visits the Abbey with her maid Lucy

New faces: Imelda Staunton plays a new character of Lady Bagshawe who visits the Abbey with her maid Lucy

Love interest: Another new face is Tuppence Middleton, who plays Lucy the maid of another fresh character Lady Bagshawe, and a new romantic interest for Tom Branson (Allen Leech) following the death of his wife Lady Sybil Crawley

Love interest: Another new face is Tuppence Middleton, who plays Lucy the maid of another fresh character Lady Bagshawe, and a new romantic interest for Tom Branson (Allen Leech) following the death of his wife Lady Sybil Crawley

'Downton Abbey's the heart of this community, and you're keeping it beating,' her devoted maid Anna tells her.

The trailer ends with the Abbey welcoming the King and Queen, played by Simon Jones and Geraldine James. 'Your Majesties welcome to Downton Abbey,' welcomes Countess of Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern).

Despite the royal arrival, the spotlight falls on the Dowager who is forced to accept a hand from the King who asks her 'can I help you' when her curtsy goes wrong, telling him: 'Someone must sir, or I may never rise again.'

Romance brewing: 'Might as well admit, I like her,' Branson delightedly tells sister-in-law Lady Mary of Lucy

Romance brewing: 'Might as well admit, I like her,' Branson delightedly tells sister-in-law Lady Mary of Lucy 

Disapproving: 'She's a scheming little minx,' the Dowager says of Lucy, starting her own battle with Lady Bagshawe

Disapproving: 'She's a scheming little minx,' the Dowager says of Lucy, starting her own battle with Lady Bagshawe

Joanne Froggatt revealed earlier this year that the big screen spin-off will feature everything devoted fans loved about the popular ITV series.

Joanne, 38, who played maid Anna Bates in the show, has been sworn to secrecy about what will happen, but she has promised that fans will not be 'disappointed'.

Speaking to The Times about the upcoming feature film, the actress said: 'The people who love the TV series are the people who are going to want to see the movie, for the most part, so I think it's got all the things that people loved about "Downton", but elevated. 

Love is in the air: Highclere Castle where the TV series and film was shot, features heavily in the beautifully shot trailer

Love is in the air: Highclere Castle where the TV series and film was shot, features heavily in the beautifully shot trailer

Growing up fast: Fans are given a brief glimpse of the younger members of the Crawley family as they play in the grounds

Growing up fast: Fans are given a brief glimpse of the younger members of the Crawley family as they play in the grounds

Mutiny: Downstairs there's even more drama as the staff feel put out when the royal butlers and maids take over the household. 'We want to defend Downton's honour' declares Anna Bates (Joanne Froggatt)

Mutiny: Downstairs there's even more drama as the staff feel put out when the royal butlers and maids take over the household. 'We want to defend Downton's honour' declares Anna Bates (Joanne Froggatt)

Stickler for the rules: . 'We think we should fight back,' her husband Mr Bates (Brendan Cole) agrees, but a shocked Carson tells them 'this is treason!'

Stickler for the rules: . 'We think we should fight back,' her husband Mr Bates (Brendan Cole) agrees, but a shocked Carson tells them 'this is treason!'

Let's dance: The grand parties and costumes are back for the anticipated movie as the Crawley family host a lavish ball

Let's dance: The grand parties and costumes are back for the anticipated movie as the Crawley family host a lavish ball 

Long term love: Lady Mary is seen sharing a passionate kiss with husband Henry Talbot int he trailer

Long term love: Lady Mary is seen sharing a passionate kiss with husband Henry Talbot int he trailer 

'It looks very cinematic; there are big, beautiful set pieces.'

The star also went on to reveal that she'd happily reprise her role for a second film, even through reports of a follow-up have yet to be confirmed.

She added: 'If people still want it. One step at a time, but if we can do something really quality, then yes. Never say never.'

The much loved period drama, written by Julian Fellowes, ran for six series between 2010 and 2015 and won several accolades including Emmys and Golden Globes.

Here we go! The trailer ends with the Abbey welcoming the King and Queen, played by Simon Jones and Geraldine James. 'Your Majesties welcome to Downton Abbey,' welcomes Countess of Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern)

Here we go! The trailer ends with the Abbey welcoming the King and Queen, played by Simon Jones and Geraldine James. 'Your Majesties welcome to Downton Abbey,' welcomes Countess of Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern)

And breathe: Anna has to calm down a nervous Molesley (Kevin Doyle) as the staff wait in line for the King and Queen

And breathe: Anna has to calm down a nervous Molesley (Kevin Doyle) as the staff wait in line for the King and Queen

Making their entrance: A wide shot shows the royal motorcade pulling up to Downton Abbey where the household waits

 Making their entrance: A wide shot shows the royal motorcade pulling up to Downton Abbey where the household waits 

Regal: The King and Queen's faces aren't shown in the trailer. The royals are played by played by Simon Jones and Geraldine James

Regal: The King and Queen's faces aren't shown in the trailer. The royals are played by played by Simon Jones and Geraldine James

Anticipation: Lady Mary, Herbert Pelham, Lady Edith, Branson and Isobel Crawley are seen waiting to greet the royals

Anticipation: Lady Mary, Herbert Pelham, Lady Edith, Branson and Isobel Crawley are seen waiting to greet the royals

One liner: Despite the royal arrival, the spotlight falls on the Dowager who is forced to accept a hand from the King who asks her 'can I help you' when her curtsy goes wrong, telling him: 'Someone must sir, or I may never rise again'

One liner: Despite the royal arrival, the spotlight falls on the Dowager who is forced to accept a hand from the King who asks her 'can I help you' when her curtsy goes wrong, telling him: 'Someone must sir, or I may never rise again'

Downton Abbey's Christmas 2015 series finale wrapped up with the bombshell that Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) was pregnant with her second husband Harry Talbot's child.

Other stars set to reprise their roles for the movie include Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Rob James-Collier, Phyllis Logan and Sophie McShera. 

There is one notable face missing as Lily James has confirmed that she won't be returning to her role as Rose, telling People magazine: 'My character Rose moved off to New York, so it would be far-fetched to bring her back. I would have loved to have come back for a scene, but for a movie, it can’t be like a Christmas special and it needs to be a focused storyline. There was simply no space for Rose.'

The film is set for a European release on September 13, 2019, and US release on September 20, 2019. 

1 Joanne Froggatt (Anna Bates), 2 Brendan Coyle (John Bates), 3 Jim Carter (Charles Carson), 4 Phyllis Logan (Elsie Hughes), 5 Elizabeth McGovern (Lady Grantham), 6 Hugh Bonneville (Lord Grantham), 7 Imelda Staunton (Lady Bagshaw), 8 Tuppence Middleton (Lucy), 9 Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith Pelham), 10 Maggie Smith (Dowager Countess of Grantham), 11 Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary Talbot), 12 Matthew Goode (Henry Talbot)

1 Joanne Froggatt (Anna Bates), 2 Brendan Coyle (John Bates), 3 Jim Carter (Charles Carson), 4 Phyllis Logan (Elsie Hughes), 5 Elizabeth McGovern (Lady Grantham), 6 Hugh Bonneville (Lord Grantham), 7 Imelda Staunton (Lady Bagshaw), 8 Tuppence Middleton (Lucy), 9 Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith Pelham), 10 Maggie Smith (Dowager Countess of Grantham), 11 Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary Talbot), 12 Matthew Goode (Henry Talbot) 

 

 

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Downton Abbey movie finally releases first trailer as the Crawley family prepare for a royal visit

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