Who directed Downton Abbey: A New Era?

Simon Curtis directed Downton Abbey: A New Era. Released in 2022, the historical drama is the sequel to the 2019 Downton Abbey film and continues the story created by Julian Fellowes.

Curtis brought extensive experience in film and television drama to the production. Before directing A New Era, he made films including My Week with Marilyn and The Art of Racing in the Rain. His Downton film divides its attention between two major storylines: the Crawleys' visit to a villa in the south of France and a film crew's arrival at Downton Abbey to make a silent movie.

The movie retains the principal ensemble, including Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Maggie Smith, Jim Carter, and Imelda Staunton. It was written by Fellowes and produced by Gareth Neame, Fellowes, and Liz Trubridge. Michael Engler, who directed the first feature, did not return; Simon Curtis took over for the sequel. A New Era was followed by Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale in 2025.