Laura Carmichael Says Downton Abbey Movie Has 'Upped the Ante'

Hearts all over the world broke when Downton Abbeywrapped up its final season in 2015, but luckily a reunion movie was announced with nearly record-breaking speed in 2018.

Production on the movie began in the fall 2018, with a theatrical debut booked for Sept. 20, 2019, but we sadly still know next to nothing about the film. We know all the key cast members (both upstairs and down) will return though, which obviously includes Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael), the second eldest daughter in the Crawley family. Carmichael spoke to reporters Tuesday at the Television Critics Association winter press tour while promoting her new Starz series, The Spanish Princess, where she discussed how thrilled she was to return to the world of Downton Abbey.

"It was really lovely, we had a really really good time. It was like getting the gang back together for a lush couple of months really," Carmichael said. "I can just say that for us, it was really magic to see each other and see each other become those characters again. Seeing Jim [Carter] become Carson and seeing Phyllis [Logan] become Mrs. Hughes. It gave us all a thrill. ... We kind of knew when we were dispersing that it would take a while to get everyone back together again in one go, but we were hopeful and excited and I'm delighted that it happened."

Carmichael has, of course, been sworn to secrecy on any and all plot details regarding the film, but she coyly teased that they're not holding back with this reunion. "I think everyone will be pleased. We've upped the ante, it's like turned the volume up," she said.

The Downton Abbey movie is slated to reach American theaters Friday, Sept. 20. The series is available to stream on Amazon Prime.

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