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The move from television to film for any franchise often proves tricky, but, for some, such asThe SimpsonsandThe Naked Gun, the transition is much smoother. So, when news first broke that the grand British period seriesDownton Abbeywas getting a movie adaptation, it is fair to see that viewers were left cautious. However, their caution proved to be unfounded, with the movie such a success upon release that a second,Downton Abbey: A New Era, was greenlit in August 2021.
Fast-forward to July 23, 2025, and, despite the second film not performing as strongly at the Box Office,a third movie was given the go-ahead by executives.With this next installment set to be the franchise’s last, neatly rounding out the trilogy of movies, there are plenty of expectations about just how the Crawley family saga may be tidily laid to rest. So, with that in mind, here is a look at everything we know aboutDownton Abbey 3so far.
Downton Abbey
A chronicle of the lives of the British aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early twentieth century.
Does ‘Downton Abbey 3’ Have a Release Date?
Unfortunately,there is not yet an official release date forDownton Abbey 3. However, that hasn’t stopped many from speculating, with some determining the final months of 2024 as the most likely release date. This comes followingImelda Staunton’s (The Crown) confirmation that production would begin in May 2024 and finish in July, which would give ample time for post-production and marketing to be completed by December.Christmas is the perfect time for aDownton Abbeymovie release, especially one that looks to be the franchise’s last, given the sacred place the series holds in the hearts of Brits, with the show regularly having a special episode on Christmas Day.
Where Can You Watch ‘Downton Abbey 3’?
Although there has been no official confirmation, expectations are thatDownton Abbey’s final act will be exclusively available in theaters. If you’re more of a fan of staying in to watch one of Britain’s biggest franchises take its final bow, fear not, as the most recent outing,A New Era, had both a physical and streaming release. It was announced back in June 2022 thatA New Erawould be receiving adigital, Blu-ray, and DVD release, with the same fate almost certainly set forDownton Abbey 3. As for streaming,A New Erawas, for quite some time, available on Peacock, and, although it is not anymore, Peacock might just be the final destination forDownton Abbey 3. If you want to catch up on the most recentDownton Abbeymovie via streaming now, you can watch it currently on Starz.
Watch on Starz
Is There a Trailer For ‘Downton Abbey 3’?
Given the production status ofDownton Abbey’s third movie,a full trailer will not be released for quite some time. However, back on May 13, a special behind-the-scenes sneak peek was posted to X (formerly Twitter) to promote the announcement of the final film. The video accompanying the post shows the ensemble, all smiling, preparing for a table read. As the iconic music plays, sending chills down the spine,Michelle Dockerynotes,
“It feels amazing. A tad emotional. It’s wonderful all to be back together again. We come back together and it’s like no time has passed at all. We’re so happy to announce that we’re in production for the third Downton Abbey movie. We can’t wait to see you”.
Seeing all of those beloved faces taking to their scripts for one last time is likely to be bittersweet for the dedicated viewers who have followed this journey through time for 14 years.
Who Will Star in ‘Downton Abbey 3’?
As the franchise has regularly taught us, there is no expense spared in the casting department onDownton Abbey, with almost every high-profile face from the show’s past expected to return, as well as a couple of new ones. This includes the likes ofHugh Bonnevilleas Lord Robert Grantham,Elizabeth McGovernas Lady Cora Grantham, Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Talbot,Laura Carmichaelas Lady Edith Pelham,Jim Carteras Mr. Charles Carson,Phyllis Loganas Mrs. Elsie Hughes Carson,Robert James-Collieras Mr. Thomas Barrow,Joanne Froggattas Mrs. Anna Bates,Allen Leechas Tom Branson,Lesley Nicolas Mrs. Patmore, andSophie McSheraas Mrs. Daisy Parker. Excitingly, bothDominic Westas the movie star Guy Dexter, andPaul Giamatti as Cora’s brother, Harold, are returning. This comes off the back of an incredible previous year for the pair, with West shining in the final season ofThe Crownand Giamatti winning numerous awards for his leading turn inThe Holdovers. Sadly, it is unlikely we will see the iconicMaggie Smithreturn after Violet Crawley passed away at the end ofA New Era. Joining the cast forDownton Abbey 3are the likes ofJoely Richardson(Nip/Tuck),Alessandro Nivola(Amsterdam),Simon Russell Beale(Radioactive), andArty Froushan(Carnival Row).
A notable admission from the confirmed list was the aforementioned Staunton, whose role as Lady Maud Bagshaw hasdazzled and delighted the franchise on many occasions. Despite her being the one who first let slip about the film, she is not in the confirmed ensemble, perhaps because she is spending her summer starring as Dolly Levi in the first West End revival ofHello, Dollysince 1984 at The London Palladium. This is likely to coincide with theDownton Abbey 3filming schedule.
What Will ‘Downton Abbey 3’ Be About?
As the final entry in the long-running franchise, there are a myriad of ways this story could head into the sunset. AsA New Eraended, the Crawley family and staff ushered in the dawn of the 1930s. Given early seasons of the show were set in the shadow of the First World War, it might be a neat bookend to see the final outing ofDownton Abbeyend in the shadow of the Second. The show and the movies have never been shy from tackling thehottest topics and most divisive subjects of their day, with the financial instability and progressive liberties of the 1930s likely to be discussed. We do know that, following Violet Crawley’s death inA New Era, the torch of theCrawley family and all they inheritwill be passed on. To find out when any official story beats are released, make sure to stay tuned to Collider.
Who Is Behind ‘Downton Abbey 3’?
For one final time, the band is back together. Creator of the franchise,Julian Fellowes, is once again back to pen the final film, with his previous collaboratorSimon Curtisback to direct. Producers on the project include Fellowes,Nigel Marchant,Gareth Neame, andLiz Trubridge.
