‘Downton Abbey’ sequel release date has been pushed back AGAIN

We’ve got some disappointing news for Downton fans.

The release of the second movie based on ITV’s hit period drama series has sadly been delayed even further.

Downton Abbey: A New Era was originally due out in December 2021, but the premiere date was unfortunately postponed by several months over concerns about releasing the movie during the winter wave of Covid-19.

The film had been set to arrive in cinemas around the world on Friday 18th March.

However, we’re now going to have to wait a bit longer.

The official Downton social media channels announced last night: “Away we go! #DowntonAbbey: A New Era will be setting sail a little later this year.”

The much-anticipated sequel to 2019’s first movie will now be released in UK cinemas on Friday 29th April.

Its release in US theatres will then follow three weeks later on Friday 20th May.

American viewers will be able to watch A New Era at home on NBC’s streaming service Peacock just 45 days later.

Hopefully this will be the final delay for the movie!

Downton Abbey: A New Era began shooting last summer, with strict Covid safety measures in place.

The “entire” main cast are back, including Dame Maggie Smith, despite the first film hinting that we’d seen the last of Lady Violet.

While one key character looks unlikely to return, we will be introduced to a number of brand new cast members in A New Era.

Discussing the newcomers’ roles, Lady Cora star Elizabeth McGovern recently teased: “They’re having a blast in this movie, it’s their personas and the humour that they bring to it.”

The American actress also revealed some exciting story hints related to this trio of characters and if you want to know, you can read more about that here!

While we wait for Downton Abbey: A New Era to finally arrive, you can take a look at our complete guide to all of 2022’s upcoming British period drama movies.

Fans can also check out A Gilded Age from Downton creator Julian Fellowes!

Set in 1880s New York, HBO’s new period drama TV series launched last weekend.

Downton Abbey: The Complete Collection box set is available on DVD on Amazon.