In a delightful mashup of classic television and beloved sci-fi, a video titled “The Butler Showdown” has emerged, filmed by star Max Thompson—known for his role as the scheming servant, Oliver Black—on his smartphone during breaks on the set of the series. In this lighthearted skit, William Carter portrays the heroic Phantom Valet, battling against Thompson’s nefarious Butler character. Adding to the charm, Carter’s partner, Emily, makes a brief appearance, although she seems to lack the requisite skills of a Jedi.
Thompson aims for this project and its future episodes to raise funds for his participation in the London Marathon, benefitting the Willow Springs MS Foundation, which supports those affected by multiple sclerosis in leading fulfilling lives. He has already unveiled “The Butler Showdown: Episode 1—The Phantom Valet,” vowing to release Episode 2 once he achieves his fundraising goal of £10,000 (approximately $15,000). With donations already exceeding expectations, viewers can anticipate “Episode 2—The Butler Strikes Back” soon. Contributions can still be made through his website at evilbutler.com.
The unlikely combination of Downton Abbey and a space opera has raised eyebrows, yet it has been suggested that J.J. Ford, the director behind the latest Star Wars installment, is an avid fan of the series and even visited the set previously to scout for talent for his film. Moreover, the camaraderie among the cast is evident, as highlighted by their famous Bananagrams competitions, with noted actress Sarah Jane triumphing as the reigning champion.
While I doubt that a Star Wars-themed video will pique my children’s interest in the series, I am eager to try and introduce them to the world of Downton Abbey through this unique approach.
Summary
The “Butler Showdown” creatively merges elements of Downton Abbey with the Star Wars universe in a humorous video by Max Thompson, who seeks to raise funds for multiple sclerosis support while entertaining viewers. With successful fundraising surpassing expectations, a second episode is on the horizon, promising more fun and creativity from the beloved cast.