Hugh Bonneville on Downton Abbey’s Future: ‘Might Be a Good Time to Stop’

Downton Abbey: A New EraThe second spin-off of Focus Features’ hit TV series Jitterbug hit theaters earlier this year.

The original regular ensemble, plus some new additions from Dominic West, Hugh Dance, Laura Haddock and Natalie Bay, the Simon Curtis-directed film updated high society antics with lavish weddings and lavish travel. Set in the south of France and a complete meta-inclusion of a Hollywood-era silent film filmed in Downton.

To celebrate the launch A new era Home Entertainment (Blu-Ray and Collectible Edition DVD releases July 5), the hollywood reporter Talk to the owner himself, Hugh Bonneville, who was considering the rumors low abbey He returned to television and therefore thought the latter film was a “good note” to end Crowley’s long and glorious reign. (Some excerpts from the interview include spoiler warnings for readers who haven’t seen the latest film.)

Bonneville also talked about moving on to another favorite franchise in which he has a leading role. paddingtonHe explains why he thought the third film’s recently announced director Dougal Wilson had all the “right tastes” to “take care of the darkest Peruvian bear”.

With two low abbey Movies, how have you used Downton artistically compared to a TV series?

Of course, its mechanics remain very similar. But I think there’s this sense of scale that was particularly evident in the other one. The second movie really felt like a movie to me because [cinematographer] Andrew Dunn was actually able to draw a camera on him, especially on the French coast, and he was actually quite luxurious. The film is small, only 30 seconds where we cross the boat to the shore and I remember telling you [director] Simon Curtis said it didn’t serve the narrative purpose and said no, but it’s actually one of the most important scenes in the movie because it gives the viewer a sense of place and it really looked great on the big screen. I also think the story has become a little more substantial than the first movie. The first movie was wonderful, the King and Queen were coming to the rescue and all sorts of turmoil was going on, but from my character’s point of view, at that point I still had a lot of teeth.

[SPOILER ALERT]

A new era I saw the sad death of Maggie Smith’s late Countess. You obviously knew he was coming, but was he still very excited? Did you do something special?

There were actually three goodbyes because there was a death scene, there was a last scene in the dining room, which was important because there was always a nasty part of the shooting schedule every time we went, and then we have his last take, which was a very small moment in the hallway Not important, but it’s still your exit from the movie. Then, like all good royalties, he got a good three-day message.

And do something off-screen for Maggie.

I think there were three sets of champagne. But after the death scene, which was my last scene with Maggie, we went for a drink in her dressing room. I was able to reflect on the fact that she was my mother for 12 years, and it was amazing, especially including a legendary actress on our show. I remember when Garrett Nim (executive producer) first offered me this show, it was before someone else performed, and I was like, ‘Who are you talking to Mommy about?’ And the rest is history.

[END OF SPOILER ALERT]

I heard from a good source that after the success of the films, NBCUniversal and production company Carnival are talking about importing. City center It returned as a television series. Is that what you heard? They asked you, will you come back?

My God, I didn’t hear that. But I doubt if there is, it will be a reboot. An origin story or something similar. I mean, there’s obviously an appetite for shows like this. bridgeton It achieved brilliant success. So if you can capture the younger generation to enjoy the people in the jars, go for it. But yeah, I think it’s very unlikely that we’ll come back as actors. It’s been seven years since we made the TV show. Going back to the way we did these two movies was really wonderful, but I think there will be a new generation like war of the galaxies It spins everywhere.

But if that happens, will you be interested?

I literally don’t think so. I have no idea. I would never say never. I would do anything for the right money.

Although it was well received by critics, Downton Abbey: A New Era It didn’t do well at the box office as the first film, whose success, I think, surprised a lot of people. I think it’s related to the pandemic if it’s all Tom Cruise’s fault and Top Gun: Maverick Released so soon?

No, this isn’t really dear old Tom. This really is a pandemic and how we watch movies. Also, you should keep in mind that the first one was a success. It was the biggest success that Focus (Features) had in the United States. defeated Kuziani mountain At the box office it has already grossed nearly 200 million dollars worldwide, which was shocking for such a show. So, relative to the other, I don’t think anyone, especially the Focus, expected to do so well. And then you add to that the cruelty of the pandemic and the fact that we, if you’re not going to see a tent movie, start watching movies in a completely different way. But I would say that when we go to the London premiere or the Met premiere in the United States, or even to my little local cinema, to see something of a collective experience and to watch it with a group of people is amazing, which is why theater and cinema never dies.

There are only two movies, but low abbey The features have already been described as a franchise. I think everyone is waiting for the third part. Do you know if Julian Fellows sat on where the story could have gone if you had any ideas?

I doubt that on a practical level it is already running its course. I think it was a good time for your layoffs. I don’t know. I can never predict the future, but I thought for a while, actually, why not continue? But I think it might have changed a bit. I think the second movie was so lighthearted and on such a good note that the story should end. And he feels that this may end. The doors are still open, but I think it’s a good time to stop.

I would have lost my job and would never forgive myself for not asking me about my favorite franchise, paddington. Wheel paddington 3 It looks like it’s finally moving forward, with a new director and title from Dougal Wilson. paddington in peru. Are you excited that this is finally happening?

Well, they told me it was going to start this year, but then it didn’t, so I take it all with salt. But Dougal is a wonderful director and the commercials he does are wonderful. (Introduction) From John Lewis Ads to 3 Mobile Business Ads I Love. So he has every taste and soul, the only thing I can say is that he will take care of the darkest Peru bear. And because of his voices, they will even take the bear to Peru. So yes, I know I’m the billionth person to make this joke, but I’ve heard it before.

Have you seen the script?

I saw an early project. But they said it was too early and they were nowhere. So I’m sure it’s going to be upscale and sophisticated and it’s going to be worthy of its predecessors and (Paddington creator) Michael Bond, I hope.

irveli paddington The movie was a masterpiece and probably the second best movie ever made. As one of the most important characters in cinema, do you feel pressured and worried about this? paddington 3 Are there so many things to accomplish that if you don’t follow this path there will be frustration?

No, I don’t feel pressure. I think StudioCanal has it. So don’t be fooled anymore if you screw it up! I get up and say the lines. It’s easy for me. And then I can talk about it as I could.

Though I’ve seen it many times, there are still scenes paddington 2 – For example, the end when Aunt Lucy arrives – where it’s hard not to throw garbage. Even being there, did you find yourself watching her emotionally?

No not me. Not because it was very hard work and often felt like a tooth extraction. I absolutely admit it’s a masterpiece, but I honestly didn’t think it would be. I remember telling Paul [King, director], It will not work. And where did I go wrong and as you said this is the best movie ever made. But it was a tough show because Paul is preoccupied with every scene. We shot some scenes because he wasn’t happy and luckily he had a great producer, David Hayman, who said, well, we’ll do that. So the reason it’s so brilliant is because of Paul King. And obviously amazing animations and crew, but really, if it was second best, it would be second best. But he really cared and he really worked and his imagination never stopped. I don’t want to be his wife because his imagination is in constant motion.

Finally, a question that combines the two questions. Why do they stop on the street more often, Lord Grantham or Henry Brown?

It’s actually kind of 50/50 really. Although I can boldly say that among people under 8, it’s usually Henry Brown.