'Downton Abbey' movie to film this summer
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}From left, Allen Leech as Tom Branson, Tom Cullen as Lord Gillingham, and Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary, in a scene from season 5 of "Downton Abbey." (The Associated Press)
Three years after going off the air, "Downton Abbey" is coming back as a movie.
Focus Features said Friday that it will this summer begin production on a "Downton" film that will reunite the Crawley family on the big screen. Series creator Julian Fellowes wrote the screenplay and will produce.
The long-rumored film adaptation is likely to be released sometime next year. The primary cast members are all set to return.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Over six seasons, "Downton Abbey" became a global hit, airing in at least 150 countries, and setting a record for non-U.S. television shows with 69 Emmy nominations.
Brian Percival, who directed the series' pilot, will direct the film.