‘Downton Abbey’ Film Makes Record Debut for Focus Features: $31M at Box Office

The British television series Downton Abbey aired in the United States on PBS from 2011-2015, becoming a huge success. So much so that, almost four years since its finale aired, the Downton Abbey film is thriving at the box office. Against a low $20-something million production budget, the film has taken in roughly $31 million as of September 21st and could reach around $35 million by the end of the weekend. This box office total is already a record for distributor Focus Features.

Downton Abbey follows the Crawley family estate as they prepare for a visit from King George V and Queen Mary of England. Upon their arrival, the staff learns of an assassination attempt on the lives of the monarchs and more drama ensues as gossip spreads among the castle.

Downton Abbey was directed by Michael Engler, who has directed several episodes of the television series and other shows like Sex and the City, 30 Rock, and Empire. The film was written by Julian Fellowes, creator and producer of the original series.

The film also stars much of the same cast as the television series, with a few additions. Returning cast members include Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, and Maggie Smith, among others. New cast members include Mark Addy, Tuppence Middleton, and Imelda Staunton.

Check out the trailer to the film below:

Marisa Thomas: Marisa Thomas is currently earning a bachelor’s degree in Cinema and Media Studies as well as in Women and Gender Studies from Texas Christian University. Her academic areas of interest include queer representation in media, gender performance and perception, and film history. Marisa is from Fort Worth, Texas and her favorite films are Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Booksmart, and Call Me By Your Name.
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