NEW YORK — Three years after going off the air, Downton Abbey is coming back as a movie.
Focus Features said Friday that it will this summer begin production on a Downton film that will reunite the Crawley family on the big screen. Series creator Julian Fellowes wrote the screenplay and will produce.
The long-rumored film adaptation is likely to be released sometime next year. The primary cast members are all set to return.
Over six seasons, Downton Abbey became a global hit, airing in at least 150 countries, and setting a record for non-U.S. television shows with 69 Emmy nominations.
Brian Percival, who directed the series' pilot, will direct the film.