"Downton Abbey" has finally come to a close and it has left an extravagant British estate-sized hole in all of our hearts. After six seasons, we can no longer catch new episodes on PBS. We have no season-long binge sessions to look forward to in order to catch up on past events before a new episode. Downton is officially closed.
Or is it?
The idea of a film adaptation of the popular British series has gained steam over the last several months and creator Julian Fellowes and executive producer Gareth Neame appear to be on board.
"Julian and I would like to make the movie. We're having detailed thinking about it all," Neame said. "But there's a lot to be worked out. Turning a TV show into a movie is not straightforward, it doesn't happen very often and it's not uncomplicated."
"Downton" was known for its large ensemble cast, many of whom have started working on other projects. Getting everyone back for a film is going to be a scheduling nightmare.
"That can sometimes take a while. But in principle, those of us who have given many years of our lives over to the show would be keen to do it if we could make it work," Neame continued.
Showrunner Fellowes wrote every single episode in "Downton's" six season run and has already moved on to NBC's "The Gilded Age," which is expected to debut in 2017. Neame, who serves as managing director of NBC-Universe-owned British production company Carnival Films, is working closely on "The Last Kingdom." Both projects require an extraordinary amount of time.
Beyond the logistical challenges of a "Downton Abbey" movie, there are also the narrative obstacles. How would the creative team approach such a project? Neame has already shot down the idea of a significant time jump from the show's conclusion at the start of 1926.
"If you jump 20 years and you have the children as adults, the fans are going to watch new actors and Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary) is going to have to wear a gray wig," Neame said. "That's too far removed from what people love. So we have to give them the same characters but in a new scenario, a fresh kind of story."
Though daunting, many cast members seem to be open to the idea. Kevin Doyle, who played Mr. Molesley, admitted that he's discussed the opportunity with fellow actors on the show and has been met with "a sort of general acceptance that it might well get made."
Of course, that doesn't mean it will.
"I'm not convinced it's necessary," Doyle continued. "I think the story has kind of been told. I'm not sure what more we could tell or should tell about those characters."
Neame guesses that should a movie been greenlit, the project would likely come to life within the next few years.
What do you think, "Downton" fans? Would you like to see the Crawleys and Co. on the big screen? Let us know in the comments below.
