A Downton Abbey sequel is already being discussed, says producer

The Downton Abbey movie has only just arrived in cinemas but there is already talk of a sequel.

Producer Gareth Neame spoke about the possibility during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

"We’ve got the beginnings of ideas of what we might do next — if that would happen," he said

"The critical thing is how we do with the domestic box office. Hopefully from there we’ll have a sense of how the film may run and fare internationally."

The film is the first big screen outing for the stars of the award-winning, ITV period drama series and saw the return of most of the principle cast.

Set in 1927, two years after the events of the 2015 Christmas special, the film follows the household’s adventures as they await the arrival of the King and Queen of England.

Read more: Downton Abbey movie set visit

At the time, the monarchs would have been King George V and Queen Consort Mary, and they have given the family notice that they will be paying them a visit.

At the end of the TV series, the Earl of Grantham had to let go certain staff members due to a lack of funds so it will be all hands on deck to ensure the Royal stay goes on without a hitch.

Carson comes out of retirement to prepare the estate for the Royal guests while Lady Mary questions whether she should stay or move on from the infamous manor.

Read more: First Downton Abbey character posters

Lady's maid Anna (Froggatt) tries to convince Mary not to leave Downton Abbey, telling her the house is "the heart of this community, and you're keeping it beating".

Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern and Maggie Smith are back as the Crawley family with Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Joanne Froggatt, Robert James-Collier and Sophie McShera returning after playing their staff in the series.

Tuppence Middleton, Stephen Campbell Moore, Lesley Nicol, Kate Phillips, Imelda Staunton and Penelope Wilton also appear in the film written by show creator Julian Fellowes and directed by Michael Engler.

Downton Abbey is in cinemas now.