Get Ready for Laughs: 'Fackham Hall' Trailer Unleashes Hilarious Period Parody!

Forget stiff upper lips and tragic romances! The new R-rated comedy Fackham Hall is about to turn British period dramas on their head, promising a laugh-out-loud spoof arriving in theaters this December.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Fackham Hall

• A "Downton Abbey" x "Airplane!" Mashup: Expect outrageously funny takes on classic British manor life and murder mysteries.
• Star-Studded Cast & Director: Features Thomasin McKenzie, Ben Radcliffe, Katherine Waterston, Tom Felton, Damian Lewis, and is directed by comedy veteran Jim O'Hanlon.
• Coming This December: Bleecker Street is bringing this R-rated spoof to theaters nationwide on December 5, 2025.

Alright, movie fans, gather 'round! If you've ever watched a serious period drama and thought, "Man, this could use a good slapstick moment," then you're in for a treat. Get ready to ditch your tea and crumpets (or maybe spill them in laughter) because the trailer for Fackham Hall has just dropped, and it looks like the comedy event of the year! This isn't your grandma's historical drama; it's a full-on, R-rated spoof that blends the elegance of Downton Abbey with the anarchic humor of films like Airplane! and The Naked Gun. Seriously, what's not to love about that?

Why This British Period Parody is Making Such a Buzz

Let's be honest, proper spoof films have been a bit of a rare breed lately, haven't they? With Hollywood often shying away from straight-up comedies, the idea of a movie dedicated to hilariously lampooning other genres felt almost... nostalgic. But with the recent buzz around a potential Naked Gun reboot gaining traction, it seems audiences are hungry for smart, silly parodies once again. And Fackham Hall looks poised to deliver in spades.

This film isn't just taking gentle jabs; it's going for a full comedic assault on the beloved British period piece genre. Think of those impeccably dressed aristocrats, the intricate social ladders, the forbidden romances, and the inevitable scandalous secrets. Now imagine all of that dialed up to 11 (or, as director Jim O'Hanlon famously says, "ten and a half!") with a healthy dose of pure, unadulterated absurdity. If you've ever secretly wished a butler would trip into a cake or a lord would utter something completely ridiculous with a straight face, this movie is made for you.

Peeking Behind the Manor Walls: The Ridiculous Plot Unfolds

So, what's all the fuss about at Fackham Hall? The story kicks off in 1931, deep in the English countryside. We meet our charming protagonist, Eric Noone (played by the talented Ben Radcliffe), a lovable pickpocket who somehow lands a job at the rather "unique" English manor, Fackham Hall. As you might expect in such a setting, Eric's charismatic ways quickly help him climb the social ranks within the household. But it wouldn't be a proper period drama without a forbidden romance, right?

Eric soon finds himself entangled in a blossoming (and utterly forbidden) romance with the lady-of-the-house, the exquisite Rose Davenport (brought to life by the brilliant Thomasin McKenzie). Their secret affair adds a layer of genuine heart to the comedic chaos, making you root for them even as you're stifling giggles. However, the manor's eccentricities take a dark turn when an unexpected murder occurs. Naturally, our lovable pickpocket Eric finds himself framed for the crime, leaving not just his future, but also Rose and her family's fate, perilously uncertain.

The official synopsis promises a blend of Downton Abbey with Airplane! and Monty Python, and the trailer absolutely delivers on that promise. Expect witty dialogue, daft physical gags, and characters who take the most ludicrous situations with admirable seriousness. It's a whodunit where you'll be laughing too hard to solve the mystery!

Who's Causing All the Hilarious Chaos? Meet the Star-Studded Cast

One of the most exciting aspects of Fackham Hall is its absolutely stacked ensemble cast, filled with actors known for their dramatic chops, which makes their comedic turns all the more brilliant. The director, Jim O'Hanlon, made a very deliberate choice to cast actors who could realistically appear in a "proper" British period drama, then asked them to play everything as straight as possible. This deadpan delivery against the backdrop of utter ridiculousness is where much of the film's comedy gold comes from.

Leading the charge are:

• Thomasin McKenzie as Rose Davenport (Known for: Jojo Rabbit, Last Night in Soho)
• Ben Radcliffe as Eric Noone (Known for: The Witcher)
• Katherine Waterston as Lady Davenport (Known for: Fantastic Beasts series, Alien: Covenant)
• Damian Lewis as Lord Davenport (Known for: Billions, Homeland)
• Tom Felton (Known for: Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise) - Reportedly plays Eric's rival for Rose's affections, adding another layer of comedic tension.
• Emma Laird as Poppy Davenport (Known for: Mayor of Kingstown)
• Tom Goodman-Hill (Known for: Baby Reindeer)
• Ramon Tikaram (Known for: Pennyworth)
• Tim McMullan (Known for: Magpie Murders)
• Anna Maxwell Martin (Known for: Bleak House)
• Sue Johnston (Known for: Waking the Dead)
• Comedian Jimmy Carr, who also co-wrote the script, appears in priest robes, promising some truly unique humor, particularly with his character's "inability to follow basic punctuation."

It's clear that the casting directors had a blast assembling this group, ensuring that every performance contributes to the film's unique comedic tone. Imagine these serious actors delivering absurd lines and reacting to insane situations without a flicker of irony – that's the magic of Fackham Hall.

The Mastermind Behind the Madness: Jim O'Hanlon's Vision for This Spoof

Bringing such a distinct comedic vision to life requires a skilled hand, and Jim O'Hanlon, the director, is certainly up to the task. O'Hanlon has a history with successful spoofs, having previously directed the hilarious detective drama series A Touch of Cloth (written by Charlie Brooker). He describes Fackham Hall as a dream project, combining his love for spoofs like Airplane! and The Naked Gun with the rich world of British period dramas.

"I grew up watching and loving spoofs like Airplane and The Naked Gun... What I loved about the script was that it was both a hilariously funny, brilliantly inventive parody of British period dramas like Downton Abbey or Gosford Park, but also, at the same time, very much its own thing – I found myself rooting for Rose and Eric, the young couple at the centre of the forbidden romance, but at the same time laughing out loud at the ludicrousness and craziness of the shenanigans going on around them. I thought if we can get audiences doing the same, then we’re on to a winner."

— Jim O'Hanlon, Director

O'Hanlon emphasized the importance of the cast playing it straight, noting that a great deal of the comedy stems from the "gap between the ludicrousness of the plot and dialogue and the action, and how seriously the characters appear to be taking the whole enterprise." He even shared a fun tidbit: an executive producer counted a whopping 278 jokes in an early cut of the film, ensuring there’s something for every comedic taste, from subtle jabs to daft physical gags.

The screenplay, co-written by Jimmy Carr, Patrick Carr, Steve Dawson, Andrew Dawson, and Tim Inman, promises a script that is sharp, witty, and relentlessly funny. Producers Danny Perkins, Kris Thykier, and Mila Cottray have clearly supported this bold vision, recognizing the potential for a truly unique cinematic experience.

Why This R-Rated Period Parody is Perfect for Your Next Movie Night

If you're a fan of period dramas, this film offers a refreshing "palate cleanser" after the emotional farewell of things like Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. It allows you to revisit the aesthetic and charm of those stories but through a lens of pure, uninhibited comedy. And if you're not usually into period pieces, don't worry! The humor is universal, drawing from classic spoof tropes that anyone who loves a good laugh can appreciate.

This is also a significant release for Bleecker Street, who are distributing the film, and their partner, Legion M. Legion M, a fan-owned entertainment company, is co-financing the film's distribution and marketing. Their co-founders, Paul Scanlan and Jeff Annison, expressed their excitement:

"We’re thrilled to continue the expansion of Legion M’s distribution capabilities, and our community has had us looking for a project just like this. Smart, funny, wholly original – we can’t wait to introduce audiences to the world of Fackham Hall."

— Paul Scanlan and Jeff Annison, Legion M Co-founders

This partnership ensures that Fackham Hall will get the enthusiastic push it deserves, reaching audiences who are eager for a comedy that doesn't hold back. With its R-rating, you can expect the humor to be edgy, pushing boundaries in the best possible way for a spoof.

Mark Your Calendars: Release Details You Need to Know

Ready to experience the absurdity? Fackham Hall is set to hit theaters nationwide on Friday, December 5, 2025. So clear your schedules, gather your friends, and prepare for a riotous, laugh-out-loud cinematic experience. This is one manor house you won't want to miss visiting!

Frequently Asked Questions About Fackham Hall

When does Fackham Hall come out?

Fackham Hall is scheduled to be released in theaters nationwide on Friday, December 5, 2025.

What is the movie Fackham Hall about?

It's an R-rated spoof comedy that parodies British period dramas like Downton Abbey. The plot follows a lovable pickpocket named Eric Noone who gets a job at Fackham Hall, falls into a forbidden romance, and then gets framed for a murder, turning the lavish manor into a chaotic whodunit.

What is Fackham Hall rated?

The film is rated R, indicating mature comedic content.

Who is in the cast of Fackham Hall?

The movie features an ensemble cast including Thomasin McKenzie, Ben Radcliffe, Katherine Waterston, Emma Laird, Tom Goodman-Hill, Ramon Tikaram, Tim McMullan, Anna Maxwell Martin, Sue Johnston, Tom Felton, Damian Lewis, and comedian Jimmy Carr.

Sources:

• IndieWire - ‘Fackham Hall’ Trailer: ‘Downton Abbey’ Gets ‘The Naked Gun’ Treatment in Period Piece Spoof
• First Showing - Hilarious Trailer for 'Fackham Hall' Comedy Spoofing 'Downton Abbey'
• Deadline - Legion M Pacts With Bleecker Street On Distribution & Marketing For Period Drama Spoof ‘Fackham Hall’
• ScreenRant - Fackham Hall Trailer: Tom Felton & Katherine Waterston in Whodunit Parody
• Collider - ‘Fackham Hall’ Images Show Tom Felton and Thomasin McKenzie in ‘Downton Abbey’ Spoof [Exclusive]
• CBR - Tom Felton Isn't the Only Harry Potter Star in Fackham Hall
• ComingSoon.net - Fackham Hall Trailer: Tom Felton & Damian Lewis Star in Downton Abbey Parody Movie