02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
First look at final ever Downton Abbey after star confirms they won't return
The first trailer for Downton Abbey: The Grand Fianle has been released, and it is set to be 'heartbreaking'
Earlier this year, CinemaCon fans caught a glimpse of the Downton Abbey teaser, hinting at "plenty of tears" and the "heartbreaking" conclusion that marks the end of the much-loved period drama.
The third and final film in the series, titled The Grand Finale, is notably missing the presence of the late Dame Maggie Smith.
The first public trailer launched today and it revealed that the film will be set in 1930 and marks the return of Paul Giamatti as Cora Crawley's brother, Harold Levinson.
The footage suggests a cheery outset; however, Julian Fellowes' writing may well forecast stormy weather ahead.
With 1930 just a year after the Wall Street Crash and a poignant scene of Hugh Bonneville's Lord Grantham kissing the walls of Downton Abbey, fans are left speculating whether the future holds a National Trust destiny for the grand estate, reports the Express.
The official synopsis for The Grand Finale states: "DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE, the cinematic return of the global phenomenon, follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s."
It added: "As the beloved cast of characters navigates how to lead Downton Abbey into the future, they must embrace change and welcome a new chapter."
The film features a star-studded cast including Simon Russell Beale, Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Michael Fox, Joanne Froggatt, Paul Giamatti and Harry Hadden-Paton.
Also making an appearance is Robert James-Collier, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, Alessandro Nivola, Dominic West, Penelope Wilton, Arty Froushan, Joely Richardson, Paul Copley, and Douglas Reith.
It comes following the news that Matthew Goode will not reprise his role as Henry Talbot in the closing film.
Though he featured in the 2019 film, the actor cited conflicting professional commitments and health problems for his absence from future sequels.
In an interview with Radio Times, the 47-year-old actor detailed: "I was unavailable for the second because I was doing The Offer. Then, for the third, I was shooting this (Dept Q)," reports Devon Live.
He also mentioned suffering a knee injury requiring surgery, noting: "But I also buggered my knee, and I had to have an operation. That takes weeks to get over, so I was never going to be able to do it. And let's face it, he was edging towards becoming a bit of a wet lettuce. So maybe it's a good thing."
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is set to hit UK cinemas on September 12, 2025.
