'Downton Abbey' Makers Have Christmas Surprise For Fans

"Downton Abbey" film sequel will be arriving on Dec. 22, just a few days before Christmas, makers said.

Focus Features recently announced that it has set production with Gareth Neame's Carnival Films on "Downton Abbey 2," reported CNN.

"The original principal cast will all once again return for the second film which began production last week and is set to release Christmas 2021," read a press release.

"In addition to the original cast, Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye and Dominic West will join the cast," it added.

Producer Gareth Neame said that the news would give fans something to look forward to amid the challenging times.

"After a very challenging year with so many of us separated from family and friends, it is a huge comfort to think that better times are ahead and that next Christmas we will be re-united with the much beloved characters of 'Downton Abbey,'" he said as reported by BBC.

The news was also tweeted on behalf of the makers. "We're thrilled to announce that Julian Fellowes and the entire Downton cast are back for #DowntonAbbey2, with Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye and Dominic West joining! See the film in theaters this Christmas," read the tweet.

The original ran for six series before it was adapted for the big screen in 2019, starring Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern. Bonneville, who will again play Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham, tweeted that it was "good to be back."

But Max Brown won't be returning as a cast member. "Sadly I won’t be joining the gang this time," he said in response to a tweet by a fan.

Maggie Smith, Penelope Wilton and Jim Carter are also part of the ensemble cast.

"Downton Abbey" is set on a fictional Yorkshire country estate in the 20th century, and chronicles the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic servants. The 2019 film's story revolved around a royal visit to the Crawley family and Downton staff from the King and Queen of England in 1927.

"Downton" creator Julian Fellowes wrote the sequel's screenplay. BAFTA and Emmy-nominated Simon Curtis is serving as a director.