Fans of Downton Abbey will have to wait a little longer for the release of the much-awaited second instalment, Downton Abbey 2. Focus Features has pushed the North American and international release date of the film from December 22, 2021, to March 18, 2022.

The film will compete against Unbreakable Boy, starring Zachary Levi, Meghann Fahy and Patricia Heaton, during the release weekend.

The 2019 hit film was a spin-off of the popular TV show of the same name. The follow-up film will back actors Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, Joanne Froggatt and Brendan Coyle. The new additions to this ensemble include Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye and Dominic West.

Directed by Simon Curtis (My Week with Marilyn), Downton Abbey 2 has a screenplay is written by franchise creator Julian Fellowes.

The sequel is produced by Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge, along with Fellowes. The film is expected to wrap production next month.