Emotional title confirmed for third Downton Abbey movie
It will be released in September
Last updated 28th Mar 2025
Despite reports last year, that a brand new TV series could be in the works, Focus Features and Carnival Films confirmed there was going to be a third Downton Abbey movie.
It was also revealed last summer, that it would be released in September 2025, and now an emotional title for the third film has been released.
What is the name of the third Downton Abbey movie?
The name of the third Downton Abbey was revealed in March 2025. Announcing the emotional name on social media, the official account captioned a post featuring the film poster: 'The time has come to say goodbye. #DowntonAbbey: The Grand Finale is only in theaters September 12.' (sic)
The poster shows Lady Mary, played by Michelle Dockery, wearing a stunning red gown as she walks through the halls of Downton. Featuring the tagline: 'The time has come to say goodbye', implying there be no further instalments of the franchise.
Fans of the franchise were quick to comment on how emotional it will be to see the 'final' Downton Abbey production, with one writing: 'What a emotional ride this final 3rd film will be. Can't wait!'
Another commented: 'This will feel like saying goodbye to a dear friend.'
A further fan wrote: 'I'm already crying at the thought of it being the last film. But why not continue the series? Downton Abbey is truly engaging, wonderful, it keeps you glued to the screen.'
When is it out?
Universal Pictures UK confirmed on 27th June 2024 that the third Downton Abbey film will be released on 12th September 2025.
The social media post read: 'A new motion picture event. The third film in the beloved #DowntonAbbey franchise will be released only in cinemas September 12, 2025'.
When was the third film confirmed?
Announcing the news of a third movie via a video on social media back in May 2024, the post read: 'Focus Features and Carnival Films are thrilled to announce the third film in the beloved Downton Abbey franchise'.
The accompanying video featured the famous Downton theme tune, whilst showing cast member Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary), saying: "We are so happy to announce we are in production for a third Downton Abbey movie, we can't wait to see you."
Who is in the cast?
A number of popular characters from the first two movies will return, including the likes of Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Penelope Wilton, Lesley Nicol, Michael Fox, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Sophie McShera, and Douglas Reith.
There's also some brand new additions to the cast, in the form of Paul Giamatti, Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale and Arty Froushan.
Dominic West will also reprise his role as Guy Dexter from Downton Abbey: A New Era.
Bosses have also teased 'many other fan favourites' will be involved.
What is the plot?
There's been no word on the plot for the third movie just yet. However, it will feature a tribute to late actress Maggie Smith, who played Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham. While the character passed away at the end of the second film, Maggie then passed away in September 2024.
The third film was always set to feature a tribute to the character, but with Maggie's passing has taken on a new meaning. The film's executive producer Gareth Neame explained in an interview with TVLine: "The fact that Dame Maggie herself has now passed away since that time, I do think has given a real added poignancy to a story that we would have planned anyway.
"The loss of the Dowager, it now feels far more significant that you see actors playing characters mourning the family matriarch. But I also see actors mourning the matriarch of the show, and it feels more genuine and more meaningful."
Is there a trailer?
There is no trailer out just yet.
Who has written it?
The third instalment has been written by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, whilst Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge take on the role of producers.
After directing 2022 movie Downton Abbey: A New Era, BAFTA and Emmy Award nominee Simon Curtis will return or the third movie.
When did the other movies come out?
The first Downton Abbey movie landed in cinemas in September 2019, with the second movie coming out in April 2022.
Is there going to be more TV series?
As well as news of a third movie, rumours have been rife that the Downton cast were set to get back together for a brand new series, following the last in 2015.
A source told Mail Online: "Filming has been going on for a few weeks now, it is all very, very secret. There are people working on it who have never seen secrecy like it.
"Those working on the set have been made to sign non-disclosure agreements so that they don’t give the game away but there is a lot of excitement at the return of Downton."
Despite the rumours, nothing has been confirmed about a new series, and with the third film's name confirmed as The Grand Finale it looks unlikely that there will be another series.
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