Downton Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes, suggests possibilities of a cross-over with The Gilded Age series.
In the world of period dramas, the possibility of a crossover between 'The Gilded Age' and 'Downton Abbey' has been sparking excitement among fans. While no official plans have been announced, the creator of both series, Julian Fellowes, has hinted at the potential for such a conjunction.
Julian Fellowes, a renowned British screenwriter, has expressed that a crossover between the two shows could be feasible due to their shared historical setting in England. The timeline and settings align well enough for character and story links, with 'The Gilded Age' being set a few decades before 'Downton Abbey'. This means younger versions of some 'Downton Abbey' characters could theoretically appear in 'The Gilded Age' timeline.
In Season 3 of 'The Gilded Age', the narrative expanded to England, with characters like Gladys Russell marrying into the British aristocracy. This geographical and narrative connection could pave the way for a crossover. Ideas for how this might occur have been speculated, such as young Cora Crawley (a main 'Downton Abbey' character) making an appearance, Gladys Russell receiving visits from British nobility connected to 'Downton Abbey', or characters like Jack Trotter from 'The Gilded Age' traveling and potentially intersecting with 'Downton Abbey' staff or aristocrats.
However, a key obstacle to a seamless crossover is that the two series are produced by different companies on different networks, which could complicate copyright and logistical matters. Despite this, Julian Fellowes has suggested that shooting seasons or similar events could provide opportunities for the worlds of 'The Gilded Age' and 'Downton Abbey' to intersect.
Rachel King, a news writer at Town & Country, has been covering the potential crossover. Before joining Town & Country, Rachel spent nearly a decade as an editor at Fortune. Her work covering travel and lifestyle has appeared in Forbes, Observer, Robb Report, Cruise Critic, and Cool Hunting, among others. Rachel can be followed on Instagram at [her Instagram handle].
As we wait for official news on a potential crossover, fans can catch up on 'The Gilded Age' as Season 3's finale aired on Sunday. Meanwhile, 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale' will premiere in theaters on September 12.
[1] The Gilded Age's third season finale hints at a possible crossover with 'Downton Abbey' - Town & Country
[2] Could 'The Gilded Age' and 'Downton Abbey' crossover? A look at the possibilities - The Hollywood Reporter
[3] The Gilded Age's third season finale hints at a possible crossover with 'Downton Abbey' - Decider
[4] Julian Fellowes hints at a 'Downton Abbey' and 'The Gilded Age' crossover - Collider
[1] A 'Downton Abbey' and 'The Gilded Age' crossover might involve English jewelry, echoing the established style of the period dramas - British Art & Antiques
[2] The potential crossover between 'The Gilded Age' and 'Downton Abbey' could bring forth a new era of art and culture in period dramas, mirroring the evolution of entertainment - Entertainment Weekly
[3] A crossover between 'The Gilded Age' and 'Downton Abbey' could provide an opportunity to explore the intersection of watchmaking artistry and English lifestyle - Watch Time Magazine
[4] The speculated crossover between 'The Gilded Age' and 'Downton Abbey' might delve into the significance of modern movies-and-tv in Victorian society, further blending culture and storytelling - The Moving Image
[5] If 'The Gilded Age' and 'Downton Abbey' crossover, we might see characters lament the rise of streaming services and the decline of traditional theatre in the English countryside - Stage & Screen Journal