Dame Maggie Smith set to join original TV cast for Downton Abbey movie as Lily James rules herself out

Downton Abbey is coming back and bringing Dame Maggie Smith with it too – even if co-star Lily James has ruled herself out. 

Ever since it was confirmed on Friday that the ITV drama is heading for the silver screen, fans have wondered if fan favourite Maggie Smith would be coming along for the ride too.

Well, we can all exhale a little bit as the actor is reportedly going to wear her Dowager Countess hat one more time for the Downton Abbey movie.

Smith, 83, has previously brushed off the idea that she would be coming back as Violet Crawley but now reports claim that Smith will indeed be appearing in the forthcoming film and will start filming this summer.

People claim that she will be joined by other original cast members Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Joanne Froggatt, Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern.

Smith has previously suggested that Violet could only make her silver screen debut if she came back on a deathbed.

‘I was firmly convinced it would start with the funeral… I could croak it and it would just start with the body,’ the veteran told a crowd during a Q& A event.

She added: ‘But I don’t know, they talk about there being a film but who knows? You might tell me if you do know… I just think it’s squeezing it dry, do you know what I mean?’

However, fans of the period drama should not hold out hope for Smith’s co-star Lily James who has ruled herself out of the film.

The Mamma Mia star, who played Rose in Downton, said ‘it would be far-fetched to bring her [character Rose] back.’

Oscar winner Julian Fellowes has written the screenplay and will serve as producer alongside Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge.

Brian Percival, who directed its pilot, will be taking the helm of the movie.

In a statement released on Friday, it was revealed that the show’s original principal cast from the TV show will be returning when production kicks off this summer.

‘Since the series ended, fans of Downton have long been waiting for the Crawley family’s next chapter,’ Focus chairman Peter Kujawski said.

‘We’re thrilled to join this incredible group of filmmakers, actors and craftspeople, led by Julian Fellowes and Gareth Neame, in bringing back the world of Downton to the big screen.’

While Gareth Neame, the film’s producer said: ‘When the television series drew to a close it was our dream to bring the millions of global fans a movie and now, after getting many stars aligned, we are shortly to go into production. Julian’s script charms, thrills and entertains and in Brian Percival’s hands we aim to deliver everything that one would hope for as Downton comes to the big screen.’

MORE : Lily James admits she will not be returning to Downton Abbey for upcoming movie