In an interview with BBC Radio 2’s Zoe Ball, Staunton revealed the massive news about the upcoming Downton project. “There will be the final film—there you go,” she declared nonchalantly when asked about reports of another movie.
Staunton’s husband Jim Carter, who starred as the steadfast butler Mr. Carson in the hit TV series and movies, was also present for the interview bombshell. Ball jokingly worried they may have gotten in “trouble” by going public with the intel too soon.
But Staunton didn’t seem too concerned, responding, “I don’t care,” with her trademark cheekiness. After keeping fans on the edge of their seats, it’s finally official – one last cinematic visit to Downton Abbey is headed our way.
The iconic upstairs-downstairs saga about the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants captured millions of viewers across its six-season run from 2010-2015 on ITV. The first Downton film hit theatres in 2019 to record-breaking success, grossing a staggering £225 million globally.
A sequel movie followed in 2022, again reuniting the entire beloved principal cast, including Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith and more. The second film emerged in the late 1920s as the Crawleys and their staff confronted the modernizing world.
According to The Sun, this newly announced “final” Downton installment will likely continue that 1920s timeline when it begins filming this summer. Writer Julian Fellowes and the core creative team are also expected to return.
The report also states that Oscar-nominated actor Paul Giamatti will reprise his role as Harold Levinson, joining Downton’s illustrious recurring cast.
While the production company has not officially confirmed the project yet, Fellowes has hinted at the franchise’s uncertain future. As he told Radio Times last year, “I think each time it’s goodbye, but whether it is or not, who knows?”
Well, we know Downton Abbey is returning to the big screen for one last hurrah. Fans dreaming of another return to the sumptuous world of high society scandal can start preparing for the grand finale. And in case you are wondering, Hugh Bonneville recently dashed the Season 7 rumours.
Whether this third film makes for a parable of the Crawley family remains to be seen. But in true Dowager Countess fashion, we must cherish and revel in every last biting witticism and charmingly etiquette-obsessed moment while we still can.
The date is still to be set, but Downton’s final movie chapter is officially on its way. To quote Mr. Carson: “We must manage, as good is always worth the struggle.” See you soon at the movies, Downton fans!