<Li> Douglas Reith as Lord Merton </Li> <Li> Stephen Campbell Moore </Li> <P> The film is a follow - up to the television series of the same name, which ended its original run in December 2015 after 52 episodes . In April 2016, it was revealed that a film adaptation was being considered, with Fellowes working on an outline plot . A script was distributed to original cast members early in 2017 . </P> <P> On 13 July 2018, the producers confirmed that a feature - length film would be made, with production commencing during summer 2018 . The script was written by Julian Fellowes, with direction expected to be by Brian Percival; producers include Fellowes, Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge . The film will be distributed by Focus Features and Universal Pictures International . </P>

What is the plot of the downton abbey movie