Downton Abbey star shares 'distinctive' change in third movie as filming 'rule' broken
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is set to arrive in cinemas in the coming weeks, and Elizabeth McGovern has disclosed what viewers can anticipate from the movie.
It represents the third and concluding film in the Downton Abbey series, which will witness numerous beloved stars from the programme return to their characters for one final time.
Elizabeth, 64, has disclosed that circumstances were altered on set during this production, with one particular regulation being abandoned.
She explained how the new movie features some spontaneous acting, which had been strictly prohibited previously.
"Most of the time, there was an absolute rule that not one syllable could ever be changed," she told Deadline. "Which, in a way, gives it its distinctive flavour."
The forthcoming picture also represents the first Downton Abbey film without Maggie Smith, who portrayed Violet Crawley. The actress tragically died in September 2024, reports the Express.
Maggie's loss was profoundly experienced amongst the ensemble, yet Elizabeth disclosed that the movie still succeeds in capturing the enchantment of Downton Abbey, where Maggie's spirit continues to linger.
"She permeates everything, definitely," Elizabeth said.
The performer, who portrays Cora in the beloved series, contemplated collaborating with the identical crew for more than ten years, with the inaugural episode of Downton Abbey having broadcast in 2010.
She said: "You can't help but feel a real attachment," before confirming it is "definitely" the end of Downton Abbey.
Despite her confidence, she did mention: "Unless they do something like go back in time and it's a different cast. You know, the young Maggie. There's been quite a lot of that sort of talk."
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale will see Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter and Joanne Frogatt reprising their roles.
New additions to the cast include Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale and Arty Froushan.
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