Downton Abbey
Dan Stevens Says He Spends A Lot Of Time Apologizing To Fans Of Downton Abbey For Leaving The Show!
Photo Credit:James Dimmock
Everyone is still in an uproar, apparently, that very popular British actor Dan Stevens left his leading role as Matthew Crawley at the end of season three of Downton Abbey, when Matthew was killed in a car crash, leaving Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) a widow with their newborn child!
However, due to Stevens desire to spread his wings and move to New York City to pursue his acting career, season four has been written revolving around how Lady Mary picks up her life after Matthew’s death!
For the first time, Stevens spoke out publicly about the duress he has caused Downton Abbey fans, when he appeared yesterday on NBC’s Today Show to promote his new film, Summer In February! Stevens admitted, “I spend a lot of my time apologizing (for leaving Downton Abbey). He elaborated that he has interactions on the street with people, (It happens) almost every day.”
On his decision to exit the popular British soap opera: “It was a tough decision. But like a lot of tough decisions, they’re kind of exciting to make at the same time. But I’m thrilled to be here and it’s been quite a year since we left.” Stevens did admit he watched the season four premiere of Downton Abbey and saw his old friends and it was quite emotional for him!
Watch the car crash that killed Matthew on “Downton” and then the interview with Dan Stevens on the Today Show! Then, let us know do you miss Dan on “Downton”?
Downton Abbey
‘Downton Abbey 2’: Big-Screen Sequel Announced & Coming For Christmas
So many of us loved the soap opera that was Downton Abbey when it aired on PBS and ITV for six seasons. Then, a few years later in 2019, the highly-awaited Downton Abbey movie hit movie theatres near you.
Now comes word from Focus Features that a big-screen sequel is in the works and is slated for release this Christmas in December of 2021.
In a social media announcement, the film company shared: “We’re thrilled to announce that Julian Fellowes and the entire Downton cast are back for #DowntonAbbey2, with Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye and Dominic West joining! See the film in theaters this Christmas.”
While, of course, no plot has been teased or given away, Fellowes will write the screenplay, with Simon Curtis (My Week with Marilyn) set to direct.
“There’s no place like home for the holidays, and we can’t imagine a better gift than getting to reunite with Julian, (producer) Gareth Neame and the entire Downton family in 2021 to bring the Crawleys back home for their fans,” said Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawsk in a statement.
So, excited to see your favorites and some potential new ones in the all-new Downton Abbey Movie later this year? Comment below.
Breaking News
DOWNTON ABBEY THE MOVIE: Official Trailer Released
Finally, Downton Abbey fans get a preview of the upcoming motion picture that is set for release in theatres on September 20th.
What we know is that the The film is set in 1927 and the plot revolves around the King and Queen of England coming to the estate for a visit and so … the Crawleys must prepare their arrival. In fact, they have to bring back Mr. Carson to help!
Featured in the trailer are series stars, who are also back for the film: Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery, Matthew Goode, Joanne Froggatt, Jim Carter and Maggie Smith.
Series creator Julian Fellowes wrote the script and Michael Engler will serve as director. Engler directed the two-hours series finale.
As fans know, Downton Abbey ran on PBS Masterpiece for six seasons here in the U.S.
Check out the trailer, and then let us know if you are excited to see the movie? Comment below.
Breaking News
‘Downton Abbey’ The Movie Releases Its First Trailer
Now here’s a huge teaser that will get you wanting to see more! Those of us who loved the British period soap opera, Downton Abbey, which came to a conclusion after its sixth season on PBS here in the United States, will finally get their wish when the film version hits in 2019.
As previously reported, the series executive producer Gareth Naeme said about the film, “We aim to deliver everything that one would hope for as Downton comes to the big screen.”
Look for the film to land in movie theatres on Friday, September 20th, 2019, with it debuting internationally the week prior on Friday, September 13th.
Most of the cast is intact including: Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Joanne Froggatt, Matthew Goode, Harry Hadden-Paton, David Haig, Geraldine James, Robert James-Collier, Simon Jones, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Tuppence Middleton, Stephen Campbell Moore, Lesley Nicol, Kate Phillips, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton and Penelope Wilton.
Julian Fellowes once again writes the script for the film for the characters he created for the TV series.
Now check out the first trailer below, when just hearing that memorable opening theme song, it brought us back to the drama and the romance of Downton Abbey.
Let us know if you are thrilled to know that the movie is set for release …. and if you are looking forward to seeing what happens to the Crawleys and others in the next chapter of their story when the movie comes your way via the comment section below.
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I have mixed feelings regarding his departure.
My “common sense” side says “of course! it’s his right to leave…acting is a job…his career…and he has every right to pursue other work.” and, it’s no one’s business but his own…literally and figuratively.
On the other hand, my “viewer” side says, “hey! you made me care about Matthew…I’ve invested time and emotion into the Matthew/Mary relationship….so it’s a bit selfish to just bail out in the middle of the story because you “feel like it.” Really, what’s the point of the fan/audience getting all caught up in a storyline if the actor can’t even respect it enough to play it out. It’s not like his character was on it for years ala a soap where some of these people play the same roles all their lives.
So I think my “viewer” side wins. I would have liked to have had him give another season or two to Downton…maybe try to work out a schedule where he could swing several pursuits at one time if it was doable. Not a happy viewer regarding his decision….
Totally agree with you, rebecca1! I’m still loving the “Abbey,” but there is truly something special missing without the Matthew/Mary coupling. The fact it took so long for them to get together and find happiness, only to have it cut too tragically short really knocked the wind out of the series. I’m certainly not liking the latest suitor for Mary (Lord Gillingham) but am reserving judgment on the Julian Ovenden character since I so enjoyed him on “Foyle’s War.” However, I honestly don’t think anyone can truly replace Matthew in either Mary or the viewers’ hearts….he was just such a sweetheart and sooo boyishly adorable…he brought out the best in Michelle Dockery, as they had such superb chemistry right from the start. (But I would like to see either Douglas Booth or Ioan Griffudd give it a try!!!! Maybe next series?????) P.S. I quite fancied Hugh Grant as well….way back when and before the “Divine Brown” incident! Since then, not so much….
Who is Dan Stevens?
Although I’m only talking to myself and Michael it seems…I’ll go with it! LOL. I’m thinking Dan reminds me of Hugh Grant…whom I really like! Just a thought. Hahahah…thought I’d add a few comments to this sadly lacking Downton discussion. I guess daytime soapers aren’t as into thei nighttime ones? If anyone’s reading this…the show is beyond excellent. Check it out!
No, I hear you, too, Rebecca! Just been too busy to comment before now, It’s true that there is far too little commentary on the nighttime and foreign programs, and it’s a real shame since they have quality written all over them. Nothing against daytime, but this is where the real enjoyment lies…(.I only watch GH out of a sense of nostalgia for its glory days of the ’80’s and primarily the returning cast members….) Oh, and for the record, I believe that one day it will be considered common wisdom that Dan Stevens made a big mistake leaving the “Abbey” so prematurely….I understand his quest for greater stardom, but Julian Fellowes would have been more than accommodating to him, as he has been with other stars of the show wanting to do outside projects. Look at Benedict Cumberbatch…he is practically a superstar now, but he always comes back to “Sherlock” because he knows that role made him and he hasn’t become too big for his britches! Such a pity Mr. Stevens didn’t feel that same sense of loyalty to his claim to fame show and its many fans!
Hi Shay! Seems we’re always running into each other at these different parties! 😉
I watched Dan Stevens being interviewed and I was a bit put off by his cavalier attitude. (And I find I want to post/comment against myself right now for saying that! 🙂 )
It’s just that he was joking about how often he gets stopped in the streets of New York by irate viewers who blame him for leaving the show…and while he understands it…and feels a bit nostalgic when he tunes in to watch his friends…he’ls loving New York, found work and has had a “great year.” So, no…he doesn’t regret his decision.
That type of attitude, even when listening to daytime actors who’ve decided to leave a show prematurely…somehow, at least temporarily, put me out of that “ability to suspend my disbelief” while watching. I feel like well, “well, he/she’s over it…why am I still here!
😉
oh man…couple o’ more things. First off…I’m completely out of iit! Hahahah…I just reread my comments about how I saw Stevens interviewed…and then scrolled up to realize the interview was here! LOL…I need sleep.
and yes, there doesn’t seem to be the same following for the nighttime or more sophisticated
soaps…at least not from a large part of the daytime soap world. And on the flip side of the coin there are probably a lot of viewers of Downton and other Brit or shall I say more “complex” shows that wouldn’t step foot into daytime. I think you and I cross into both worlds…sorta like when I go dancing at the clubs…and then decide to drink a glass of wine and either read or engage in some psychologically, philosophically in-depth conversation at an outdoor cafe…
In other words, we have eclectic tastes! (Kinda like enjoying both Boccelli and ’80’s Britpop….) We are considered what is technically referred to as “boundary spanners!’ But yeah….I am not a diehard daytime fan….I keep up with GH for nostalgia’s sake, but I couldn’t spend all my hours doing the daytime thing, even though there was a point years ago when I pretty much kept up with all the soaps at one time or another…save for “Guiding Light,” don’t ask me why, as I couldn’t tell you….but I do prefer the more engaging and complex nature of primetime/British dramas. They just pay much more attention to detail and the complexities of plots, characters, and production values, not to mention their usage of traditional and proper English. We have become so lazy on this side of the pond when it comes to grammar and usage that one needs to reinforce one’s self in the correct principles of language before they completely disappear!!! Having said that, I do applaud GH for its international flair….with characters like Dr. O., Faison, Anna, Duke, and our dear Scorpio, the discourse and cultural references on the show do raise the bar above the usual daytime blather. That’s why I find the program so lacking when these people are not front and center, and also the reason I cannot wait for the arrival of the dashing and debonair Victor Cassadine….that should up the I.Q! As for Dan Stevens, since he WAS the original topic of discussion here, I’m not saying that he should regret his decision based upon his past year’s activities, but I do believe he would have experienced greater long-term success if he had both stayed with his original “Downton” role a bit longer (so as not to alienate his loyal base of fans there) and simultaneously pursued outside projects, as so many other “Abbey” cast members have done (not to mention “Sherlock’s” Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.) Especially since I do believe that Julian Fellowes would have accommodated his needs in order to keep the character alive. However, that is now water under the bridge and only time will tell what the future will bring. I do rather hope that when the series does meet its eventual end that Mr. Stevens will treat his followers to a repeat appearance as his now-grown son…that would certainly bring a fitting closure to the saga. (Perhaps by then he will not be so dismissive of the program’s part in his entre’ to the U.S. market…..)