Downton Abbey: A New Era Trailer Teases Maggie Smith’s Mysterious Past

The first teaser trailer for Downton Abbey: A New Era, the anticipated sequel film; has been published. The popular and critically acclaimed television series first aired in the United Kingdom on ITV for six seasons; before being broadcast on PBS in the United States.

During the early 1900s, the series followed the life of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic workers at Downton Abbey, a country estate. Following the conclusion of the show, a feature film with the same title was released in 2019, followed by A New Era two years later.

Now, Focus Features has published the first teaser trailer for Downton Abbey: A New Era; which begins with Violet Crawley, played by Maggie Smith; admitting to meeting a man many years ago and now owning a villa in the South of France. It goes on to show videos of this possible new setting, as well as Tom Branson’s second wedding; and introduces viewers to some of the film’s returning stars; including Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Laura Carmichael, and Jim Carter. Violet Crawly dismisses herself at the end of the trailer, saying:

“And with that, I will say goodnight and leave you to discuss my mysterious past”. Stills from Downton Abbey: A New Era, in addition to the teaser; reveal more of the cast, which includes newcomers Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, and Dominic West. The Crawleys are approaching the 1930s; but nothing else is known about the plot of A New Era besides the wedding and likely change of scenery; however, fans may hope to learn more when the official trailer is released. Julian Fellowes, the creator of the original series, is writing and producing the sequel; which is directed by BAFTA and Emmy-nominated Simon Curtis. On March 18, 2022, Downton Abbey: A New Era will be launched.