Focus Features unveiled an emotional first look at Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale during CinemaCon, offering fans a glimpse into the much-anticipated conclusion of the beloved film trilogy. Directed by Simon Curtis and written by series creator Julian Fellowes, this marks the final installment in the big-screen continuation of the iconic British TV series.
The trailer begins with a poignant title card reading “It’s time to say goodbye,” setting the tone for what promises to be a heartfelt farewell. Fans are then treated to a moment with Hugh Bonneville’s Earl of Grantham, who is seen patting the façade of the Grantham Estate manor in a seemingly emotional gesture of closure.
The trailer also features a voiceover from Jim Carter’s Mr. Carson, welcoming viewers to the year 1930. We see glimpses of the Crawley family at the races, Dominic West’s Guy Dexter performing in London’s West End, and Michelle Dockery’s Lady Mary ascending a staircase in a stunning red gown. A tribute to the late Maggie Smith, who portrayed the Dowager Countess of Grantham, is also evident in a framed portrait, honoring the beloved character’s legacy.
The previous two Downton Abbey films collectively grossed over $287 million globally, setting the stage for high expectations for this final chapter. Production on the third film officially began in May, with returning cast members, including Bonneville, Dockery, Laura Carmichael, and Jim Carter, among others, joining new faces such as Paul Giamatti, reprising his role as Harold Levinson, and newcomers Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, and House of the Dragon stars Simon Russell Beale and Arty Froushan.
The film is set to pay tribute to the “end of an era” following the death of Oscar-winning actress Maggie Smith, whose portrayal of Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess, became one of the series’ most iconic roles. Smith’s passing last September adds an emotional layer to the upcoming film, especially as her character’s death was central to the plot of 2022’s Downton Abbey: A New Era.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is scheduled for a domestic theatrical release on September 12, 2025, with many speculating about a potential launch at the Venice Film Festival.
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