This is indeed big news for “Call the Midwife” fans! Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the exciting developments:
“Call the Midwife” Feature Film: An Overseas Adventure in 1972
Setting: The film will be set in 1972, taking some of the beloved Nonnatus House characters on a journey “overseas.”
Location Reveal (Partial): While the exact primary overseas location for the film itself remains under wraps, it’s been revealed that the upcoming Christmas Special (expected 2025) will feature a two-part story set both in Poplar and in Hong Kong, as some staff undertake a “mercy mission.” This suggests a potential connection or foreshadowing for the film’s international setting, though it’s important to note the film is a separate project.
Plot Hints: Creator and writer Heidi Thomas has stated that the film will allow the characters to “take a short break from Poplar and test themselves in an unfamiliar landscape.” She also noted that with the “rise in hospital births, and changes in the NHS,” the midwives’ “wings” have been “clipped,” and the film will be their “chance to take flight and work out what really matters.” This suggests a story where the midwives apply their skills in a place where they are perhaps more urgently needed, reflecting the changing landscape of healthcare in Britain.
Big Screen Experience: The creators are emphasizing that the film is designed for the “big screen,” promising a visually stunning setting and an emotional, high-stakes narrative.
Returning Characters: The film will feature “iconic characters from the existing TV show.”
“Call the Midwife” Prequel Series: Back to the Blitz!
Setting: This brand-new prequel series will transport viewers back to Poplar during World War II, specifically focusing on the period of the Blitz.
Exploring the Past: The series aims to “delve into the deeper past” of Poplar and explore the experiences of the nurses who worked during this challenging time. Heidi Thomas expressed a “yearning” to explore this period, describing it as “extraordinary – filled with loss, togetherness, courage and joy. The bombs fell, the babies kept on coming, and the Sisters kept on going.”
Familiar Faces, Younger: Fans can anticipate seeing “familiar (if much younger!) faces.” While specific characters haven’t been confirmed, speculation naturally points to characters like Sister Monica Joan, Sister Julienne, and potentially even Sister Evangelina (who has since passed in the main series), as their younger selves, given their historical accounts of working during the war. Dr. Turner, Fred, and Miss Higgins could also potentially appear.
Deeper Origins: The prequel promises to offer a deeper look into the origins of the beloved midwives and nuns, exploring how their experiences during the Blitz shaped them into the characters we know today.
Release Timeline: The prequel series is expected to debut on the BBC in 2026.
These announcements signal a significant expansion of the “Call the Midwife” universe, offering fans both a cinematic adventure and a historical deep dive into the origins of Nonnatus House.
