Original cast returning for "Downton Abbey" movie
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16 Jul – Just over a year ago, news broke that popular British TV series "Downton Abbey" was being eyed for a big screen adaptation. Now the movie project has officially been greenlit.
"Welcome back to Downton! We're thrilled to announce that #DowntonAbbey is coming to the big screen," says a recent post on the show's Twitter account.
It was revealed that the original principle cast including several of the supporting characters will be returning for the movie. However, one name will be noticeably absent.
PEOPLE brings words that "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again" star Lily James, who plays the Lady Rose MacClare in the series, will not be joining the project.
Denying that it was due to schedule issues, James explained that since her character Rose moved off to New York, it would be "farfetched to bring her back."
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She said, "I would have loved to have come back for a scene, but for a movie it can't be like a Christmas special and it needs to be a focused storyline."
"There was no space for Rose," the 29-year-old actress added.
Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter and Michelle Dockery are among those who will be returning.
"Downton Abbey", a historical period drama set between 1912 and 1926 in the fictional eponymous Yorkshire country estate, chronicles the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic servants.
The TV show picked up numerous awards during its 6-season run from 2010 to 2015, including 15 Primetime Emmy Awards, 3 Golden Globe Awards, and a Special BAFTA award. It also garnered 69 Emmy nominations.
Production on the "Downton Abbey" movie is set to begin this summer.
