Release date confirmed for third Downton Abbey movie

It will feature old and new cast members

Author: Alex RossPublished 27th Jun 2024
Last updated 27th Sep 2024

Despite recent reports that a brand new TV series could be in the works, Focus Features and Carnival Films have now confirmed the amazing news that there's going to be a third Downton Abbey movie, and now we have a release date!

When is it out?

Universal Pictures UK confirmed on 27th June 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'.

Is there a third movie?

Announcing the news of a third movie via a video on social media back in May, 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.

Is there a trailer?

Due to the movie being in the early production stages, there's 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 in recent months 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.

Check out the biggest films in 2024 and beyond:

Argylle

Release date: 2nd February 2024


With an all-star cast including the likes of Dua Lipa, Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, John Cena, Catherine O'Hara and Bryan Cranston, this new spy film was an exciting one for fans. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, who also worked on the smash-hit Kingsman franchise, the film sees the line between fiction and reality blur, as Elly Conway's spy novel begins to mirror a real-life spy organisation.

Dune: Part Two

Release date: 1st March 2024


The follow-up to 2021's smash-hit Dune, Dune: Part Two saw the return of stars such as Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, as they continued their mythic journey. After fans were left slightly disappointed with the lack of Zendaya's presence in the first film, it seemed as though she would feature more heavily in the sequel, with Timothée stating before the film's release that her scenes are "incredible" and in "greater abundance".

Challengers

Release date: 26th April 2024


It's no secret that pretty much any film featuring superstar Zendaya is a hit! The actress stars as Tashi Donaldson in this romantic sports comedy-drama - a tennis player turned coach who becomes involved in a love triangle 'gone wrong'. Also starring are names such as Mike Faist, Josh O'Connor and Faith Fay.

Inside Out 2

Release date: 14th June 2024


The sequel to 2015's Inside Out, we re-visit the colourful gang as Amy Poehler returned as Joy. The film was released in summer 2024, and explores Riley's emotions as a teenager. The film introduced four new Emotions, including Anxiety, which is voiced by Stranger Things and Do Revenge star Maya Hawke. An official teaser trailer for the film was released in November 2023, and the full-length trailer was released in March 2024. The film was a gargantuan success - becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time, globally.

Deadpool & Wolverine

Release date: 25th July 2024


Returning for its highly-anticipated third instalment, Ryan Reynolds reprised his role as Deadpool (or should we say, Wade Wilson) in July 2024. The original film dropped back in February 2016, with the sequel arriving two years later in 2018. With Wolverine entering the mix, we saw the incredible combo of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman - with the flick surpassing 2019's Joker as the biggest R-rated movie ever.

A Quiet Place: Day One

Release date: 27th June 2024


A sequel to John Krasinski's A Quiet Place, titled A Quiet Place: Day One, served as a prequel to the original idea from John, detailing 'why our world went quiet'. The official trailer was released in February, with names such as Joseph Quinn, Lupita Nyong'o, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou and Denis O'Hare filling the impressive cast list.

Beetlejuice 2

Release date: 6th September 2024


The iconic 1988 hit Tim Burton film Beetlejuice, starring Michael Keaton as the wacky titular character, officially came back into our lives in 2024 - with a sequel landing just in time to kick off the Autumn. Not only that, but the new fantasy horror comedy was once again be directed by Tim, with other legendary actors returning such as Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara. Beetlejuice 2 also features Wednesday star Jenna Ortega, as well as Monica Bellucci and Willem Dafoe.

Saw 11

Release date: 24th September 2024


September 2024 saw the infamous game continue as the 11th instalment in the Saw franchise arrived at cinemas. Fans of the gory horror didn't have to wait too long between films, with the 10th Saw only landing back in September 2023.

Joker: Folie à Deux

Release date: 4th October 2024


Following the huge success of the first Joker film in 2019, Joaquin Phoenix reprised his role in the highly-anticipated sequel, which was released in October 2024. Not only that, but we got to see none other than 'Born This Way' icon Lady Gaga star as the Joker's girlfriend Harley Quinn, with pictures of her character first being teased in December 2023. Days before the film's released, it was announced that Gaga was releasing a companion album called 'Harlequin'.

Smile 2

Release date: 18th October 2024


Smile 2 headed our way in October 2024, with the sequel arriving around two years after the original horror/mystery film was released.

Wicked

Release date: 22nd November 2024


The hugely anticipated Wicked movie will be landing in two parts - with Part One dropping in late November 2024 (around Thanksgiving in the United States). Initially set for release on 27th November, this then moved forward to 22nd. Part Two will land a year later, with a current release date of 21st November 2025. The film stars Ariana Grande as Glinda, alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.

Moana 2

Release date: 29th November 2024


Disney bosses delighted fans in February by announcing a shock sequel to 2016 movie Moana! Sharing a short announcement clip, Disney confirmed the second movie will land in November 2024! By the looks of the teaser trailers - and the full-length trailer - it's not going to disappoint! Check out everything we know here.

Gladiator 2

Release date: 15th November 2024


A whopping 24-years after the release of the original smash-hit film Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe, a sequel is officially on the way! With a current scheduled release date of November 2024, the highly-anticipated movie will see the talented Ridley Scott return to direct, as well as Normal People's Paul Mescal take on a starring role.

Mufasa: The Lion King

Release date: 20th December 2024


Fans were incredibly excited when Disney announced another live-action film coming our way. In the now-released prequel film, we get to see Mufasa's journey to becoming the King.

Sonic 3

Release date: 21st December 2024


After the success of the first two Sonic films, which starred the likes of Ben Schwartz, James Marsden and Jim Carrey, fans were thrilled that the third instalment was to be released in 2024. The third film in the franchise features the introduction of a character named Shadow, who serves as the movie's main antagonist, with other iconic game characters such as Rouge the Bat making an appearance.

Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fow

BBC bosses announced in June that there's going to be a brand new Wallace and Gromit moving dropping at Christmas time. Titled, Vengeance Most Fow, the 70-minute film will see the return of Feathers McGraw.


Release date: Christmas 2024

Now read:

Downton Abbey set to return with brand new series

The biggest films dropping in 2024 and their release dates

Applications for Deal or No Deal have been extended

How to listen to Magic:

From Ed Sheeran to ABBA, and Take That to Madonna, Magic Radio plays more of the songs you love! Listen on Rayo, on DAB nationwide, 105.4FM in London, on this website (click the play button below), or try us on your smart speaker – just say "Play Magic Radio".