Downton Abbey 2 has an offer out to American actor Josh Hartnett for the upcoming sequel film. Downton Abbey was a British historical drama series, created by Julian Fellowes, that ran from 2010-2015. Set during the early 20th century the series follows the residents of the fictional Downton Abbey estate. The series ended in 2015, but a follow up film was released in 2019 which exceeded all expectations grossing over $194 million worldwide and topped the United States box office on its opening weekend.
JOSH HARTNETT OFFERED ROLE IN DOWNTON ABBEY 2
After the massive success of the first film it’s no surprise that a sequel was coming. While not much is known about the plot, we here at The Illuminerdi have exciting news regarding casting for Downton Abbey 2. An offer has been made to the actor Josh Hartnett. Hartnett has been offered the role “Movie Star”. The character is described as a featured character in his 40s. It looks like they are looking for an “actual American movie star” that will stun unsuspecting viewers.
Josh Hartnett is an American actor who has had an impressive career in film and television since he first began in the late 90s. Hartnett has appeared in a number of film and television series across multiple genres. He starred in period war films such as Pearl Harbor and Back Hawk Down. From 2014-2016, Hartnett starred in the British American gothic horror series Penny Dreadful as Ethan Chandler, aka Lawrence Talbot, The Wolfman. Hartnett is no stranger to period pieces, so he could be an excellent fit for the film especially as he would be recognizable to not only American, but UK audiences as well.
Fans of the Crawley family and their employees are eagerly awaiting more even ten years after the series’ first premiered. Not much is known about the plot of Downton Abbey 2, but The Daily Mail has reported that a number of the original cast members will return, as will Imelda Staunton and Tuppence Middleton who were introduced in the first film. Perhaps the most surprising return is the acclaimed Dame Maggie Smith whose character, Violet Crawley, told her granddaughter Lady Mary, played by Michelle Dockery, at the end of the first film that she was sick and “may not have long to live”. Maggie Smith has agreed to return one last time for the sequel film much to fans delight.
Downton Abbey follows not only the aristocratic Crawley family that owns the estate, but their domestic help as well. The series takes place during the years 1912-1926 and covers real world events like the sinking of the Titanic, the start of World War I, the outbreak of the Spanish Flu, and more. Audiences all over the world became enthralled with the series and the residents of Downton Abbey.
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Downton Abbey originally premiered on ITV in the United Kingdom a decade ago in September 2010 and became a smash hit. Downton Abbey premiered on PBS in the United States in January 2011, then in other countries across the world. The show ran for six seasons for a total of 52 episodes ending in 2015. Downton Abbey is the highest rated PBS drama of all time and won a Prime Time Emmy for Outstanding Miniseries or Movie in 2011. Even after the series ended fans wanted more and Julian Fellowes has continued to deliver with not one, but now two follow up films.
Downton Abbey 2 is set to begin filming in March 2021 in the United Kingdom. Downton Abbey 2 will be directed by Simon Curtis with Julian Fellowes, Liz Trubridge, Nigel Marchant, and Brian Percival attached as producers. Are you excited about Downton Abbey 2? Do you think Josh Hartnett would be a good fit? What do you hope the sequel is about? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or on our social media.
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