“It’s time to say goodbye,” or so reads the tagline for the upcoming Downton Abbey film – The Grand Finale. Set to make its debut as movie number 3 in the fan-favourite franchise, the much-anticipated trailer has just been released.
In it, the Granthams are shown pacing around the estate we’ve come to know and love as Downton Abbey, with an air of finality. Bannisters are brushed over, stone pillars are marvelled at and the resplendent grounds recieve a last glance before they’re (seemingly) closed off forever.
Given the title of the upcoming film, it’s fair to assume that this really is the grand finale of Downton Abbey. And while the future of the franchise was expanded in the first two films – the third installment truly feels like it’s closing the chapter on the story for good.
Speculation about a third film has been bubbling for a while, after the second film, Downton Abbey: A New Era, was released in 2022.
After building such a beloved world in the British countryside, it only made sense to bring back the magic of the Abbey one last time and creator Julian Fellowes thought so, too, telling Radio Times in 2022: “You never know if more is going to be wanted,” he said. “After every series, after the first film, and now after the second, each time I have said a heart-wrenching goodbye to these people… and then here we are back again.”
Below, everything we know about Downton Abbey movie 3, The Grand Finale, including cast, plot and release date.
What Is The Plot Of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale?
The Downton Abbey series has been ongoing since 2010, with a six-season run up until 2016. The two movies were released in 2019 and 2022 respectively. Now, for the last installment, audiences will pick up where A New Era left off, in 1930.
According to Variety, The Grand Finale will follow Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) as she navigates high society in London, while Lord and Lady Grantham (Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern) go about their lives on the Yorkshire County estate.
While not much else is known about the plot of the upcoming film, given the tone of the trailer, we can only imagine the type of emotional journey we’re about to be taken on.
When Will Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale Be Released?
Downton Abbey movie 3 – The Grand Finale is set to his cinemas on September 12, 2025 – although we’re still waiting on confirmation about whether that date will pertain to Australian audiences.
Who Has Been Cast In Downton Abbey Movie 3?
Naturally, Dockery, Bonneville and McGovern will be reprising their roles as Lady Mary, Lord and Lady Grantham respectively. Joining the cast favourites will be a slew of familiar faces from the Downton Abbey films and series, including Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Joanne Froggatt, Phyllis Logan, Penelope Wilton, Paul Giamatti and Dominic West.
The Grand Finale will also feature franchise newcomers Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale and Arty Froushan.
Related articles:
- Fetch The Carriages, You Can Now Stay In The Exact Villa From ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’
- All About Downton Abbey – The Sequel
- Everything To Know About ‘Downton Abbey’s’ Michelle Dockery & Her Husband Jasper Waller-Bridge
