Downton Abbey 2: movie trailer, film release date, cast of ‘A New Era’ sequel - and will Matthew Goode return?

Fans of periodic drama Downton Abbey must have thought Christmas came early, when the trailer for the second movie dropped on November 13.

‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’ is a continuation from the first movie, with the opening scene showing a return to the Highclere estate.

The movie was described by creator Julian Fellowes as an “unashamedly feel-good film,” who added that it is set on the cusp of the 1930s, “the beginning of the modern world”.

Are you as excited for another stunning recreation of the 1920s and the latest antics of the Crawley family? Read on to find out everything about the new Downton Abbey movie.

Downton Abbey trailer

The trailer was officially released on November 13, with a teaser airing just days before.

In the trailer, the Crawleys are back in Highclere Castle, Yorkshire, where a wedding is set to go ahead.

Chauffeur Tom Branson will marry Lucy Smith, Branson tragically lost his wife Lady Sybill during labour in series three.

The film is set in 1927, with “no nannies, no maid, no chaffeur,” as the Crawley’s attempt to modernise.

A royal visit is on the cards and Lady Mary is tasked with preparing Downtown for the guests, but she has other ideas as she considers leaving Downton.

Dame Maggie Smith looks to be back to her sarcastic, no nonsense antics, as she offers bemused commentary as the Highclere staff prepare for the upcoming events.

Talking to PEOPLE, he added: “As we know from the last film, Mary may not be the titular head of the household, but she is effectively running the show. We take that further.

“We’re trying to mark the change — the fact that Crawleys of Downton are nearly in the 1930s, which is merely the beginning of the modern world.

“I like the idea that people go into the movie and have a great two hours and then go out to have dinner. That seems to me to be a good thing.

"If we are useful for cheering people up and giving them an easy time of it, that doesn’t bother me."

Downton Abbey: A New Era cast

As shown in the trailer, Allan Leech will return as Tom Branson, joined by newcomer to the Emmy-award-winning franchise, Tuppence Middleton. Middleton will star as his new wife, Lucy Smith.

Hugh Bonneville will reprise the role of Robert Grantham, and Michelle Dockery also returns as Lady Mary.

Sophie McShera is also in the lineup, as Daisy, as well as Lesley Nicol as Mrs Patmore.

Harry Hadden-Paton also appeared in the teaser; he reprises the role of Bertie Pelham alongside Laura Carmichael, as Lady Edith.

Dame Maggie Smith, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter and Elizabeth McGovern will also return to the fictional periodic drama.

Included in the newcomers are Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye and Dominic West.

Eagle-eyed fans did notice Matthew Goode, who plays Henry Talbot, was not in the trailer. He has been a hugely successful addition to the fifth and sixth series and many are wondering if he will return.

Not to worry, Goode is in the credits and will be making a short appearance in the film much like he did in the first of the sequel.

When is Downton Abbey 2 released?

Downton Abbey: A New Era, written by Fellowes and directed by Simon Curtis, will make its cinematic premier on March 18, 2022.

The film will be exclusive to theatres, with no online platforms streaming it.

It was originally supposed to be released in time for Christmas, but production issues have pushed it back a few months.