NEW YORK (AP) - It's the news fans have been waiting for.
Three years after going off the air, "Downton Abbey" is coming back as a movie.
Focus Features said Friday that it will this summer begin production on a "Downton" film that will reunite the Crawley family on the big screen. Series creator Julian Fellowes wrote the screenplay and will produce.
"Welcome back to Downton! We’re thrilled to announce that #DowntonAbbey is coming to the big screen," the show's Twitter account said. "Film production begins this summer."
The long-rumored film adaptation is likely to be released sometime next year. The primary cast members are all set to return.
Over six seasons, "Downton Abbey" became a global hit, airing in at least 150 countries, and setting a record for non-U.S. television shows with 69 Emmy nominations.
Brian Percival, who directed the series' pilot, will direct the film.
Welcome back to Downton! We’re thrilled to announce that #DowntonAbbey is coming to the big screen. Film production begins this summer. pic.twitter.com/3scMUmosic
— Downton Abbey (@DowntonAbbey) July 13, 2018
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