She may have (spoiler alert!) died at the end of the second Downton Abbey movie, but the Dowager Countess of Grantham lives on. It has been announced the hit period drama is getting a spin-off series, on top of the currently-filming third movie!The new show will be a prequel. But rather than centre on Robert and Cora’s courtship, as some fans had predicted, it will instead focus on Lady Violet’s youth and love life.
Who will play young Violet in The Downton Abbey prequel?
Three British actresses are reportedly in contention for the lead, according to The Mail on Sunday. Whoever is cast will take over from Dame Maggie Smith, who portrayed the Dowager Countess to great acclaim and awards glory.Viola Prettejohn (who played a young Princess Elizabeth in Season 6 of The Crown) is being considered, as is Emily Carey.Emily already has experience being part of a prequel series, as she plays young Alicent Hightower in the Games of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon.The third name in the mix is Ella Purnell.
Ella is probably the most known of the three, having previously starred in TV shows Fallout and Yellowjackets, and the film Maleficent. She might also have a leg-up on the competition, as she appeared in the first season of British drama series Belgravia, which was also created by Downton Abbey mastermind Julian Fellowes.
Although prequel storyline details are yet to be shared, Downton Abbey already dropped some clues about Violet’s past romantic dalliances – such as her holiday fling with the Marquis de Montmirail and her almost-affair with Russian Prince Igor Kuragin!Will Maggie Smith be in the Downton Abbey prequel?It’s not confirmed if Maggie, 89, will appear in the prequel in some capacity. Some fans have suggested that she could appear in a voice-over narration role, similar to what her fellow dame, Vanessa Redgrave, does in Call the Midwife.
Either way, a source says creators will likely want to consult with Maggie on who they cast in the coveted role.
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