The Internets hair has been on fire recently with the official confirmation from Focus Features and Carnival Films of a third film in the Downton Abbey saga coming this past week. Months of rumors have finally been put to rest as a third film following on from 2022’s Downton Abbey: A New Era is happening!

Unfortunately, while no plot details have been announced, there is a list of the cast members who are set to return including Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Penelope Wilton and Dominic West.

Lesley Nicol, Michael Fox, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Sophie McShera, and Douglas Reith are all also confirmed to be back, while it has been teased that “many other fan favorites” will appear. AND, the great Paul Giamatti will be reprising his role as Cora Grantham’s brother Harold Levinson, who he played in a previous Christmas special.

Proof positive that this is actually happening courtesy of a video of the cast reuniting at a read-through.

In the video, Lady Mary star Michelle Dockery says: “It feels amazing, a tad emotional. It’s wonderful to all be back together again. We come back together and it’s like not time has passed at all. We’re so happy to announce that we’re in production for the third Downton Abbey movie. We can’t wait to see you.“

Sadly, Dame Maggie Smith’s character Violet, the Dowager Countess, will not appear but, if you have seen the 2022 film, she does have a good reason. Hopefully, Imelda Staunton will reprise her roll.

Stay tuned for more details as they are announced!