Downton Abbey has already boasted a guest appearance from a Hollywood star. Now it could be heading to Hollywood with a movie adaptation of the hit period drama.
The ITV show written by Julian Fellowes – which has also taken the US by storm – recently landed a cameo from George Clooney in a charity special of Downton for Text Santa.
Now Raquel Cassidy, who plays housemaid Phyllis Baxter, has revealed to the Daily Mirror that there are discussions about making a Hollywood film version of the show.
Raquel said: “There have been talks and there is definitely a possibility of a Downton film.
“There is real hope. It’s been mentioned more than once and there’s a lot of commercial and artistic interest. Stranger things have happened, so watch this space.”
The Lead Balloon actress also revealed that Dame Maggie Smith can be just as intimidating to work with as her character Countess of Grantham Violet Crawley is on screen.
Raquel confessed: “Maggie is a force to be reckoned with. She is a genuine grand dame of the industry and doesn’t suffer fools gladly.
“She can’t stand people who approach her all nervous and intimidated – that immediately gets her back up. She wants you to operate on her level or not at all.
“Then again, if you’re like that she probably won’t even notice you.
“At the same time she’s very talented and also game for a laugh if she thinks you’re worth it.
“She’s intimidating if you’re easily frightened. Actors need a thick skin – especially in the presence of somebody as iconic as her.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article