Downton Abbey 3: Release date and latest news about the Grand Finale
Here’s everything you need to know before the final chapter closes on the Crawley family.
After first airing in 2010, Downton Abbey quickly became a global phenomenon, chronicling the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants at a grand Yorkshire estate.
Across six acclaimed seasons created and co-written by Julian Fellowes, the series explored love, loss, war, scandal and shifting class dynamics in early 20th-century Britain – before making the shift to the big screen.
The first film – released in 2019– saw Downton prepare for a royal visit, while the second, A New Era took the family to the South of France following a mysterious inheritance — and brought a film crew into the house, much to Lady Violet’s dismay. That sequel ended with the poignant death of the Dowager Countess, played by Dame Maggie Smith, marking a symbolic passing of the torch.
Now, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale promises to draw the curtain on the beloved saga, as Lady Mary, her family, and loyal staff face new beginnings, changing times, and a final chapter filled with emotion, legacy, and goodbye.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming film, including the release date, returning stars and plot teasers.
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Downton Abbey 3 release date
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale will be released in cinemas on Friday 12th September 2025.
The film was first announced in May 2024, with Focus Features confirming that the beloved franchise would return for one final big-screen outing.
Filming began shortly after the announcement, with much of the original cast returning to reprise their roles.
This third instalment marks the conclusion of a story that began in 2010 with the original ITV series, which ran for six acclaimed seasons and led to two previous successful films. Now, after 15 years of high society drama, heartfelt moments, and historical change, The Grand Finale promises to be a fitting send-off to the Crawley family, and those who served them.
Downton Abbey 3 cast: Who's returning?
The cast of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is led by Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern and Laura Carmichael, reprising their iconic roles as Lady Mary, Lord Grantham, Lady Cora and Lady Edith respectively.
Meanwhile, they are joined by an ensemble of returning favourites and British talent, including Jim Carter, Joanne Froggatt, Penelope Wilton and Dominic West in key supporting roles.
Oscar-nominee Paul Giamatti – who last appeared in the 2013 Christmas special – will also reprise his role, while new additions include Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola and Simon Russell Beale.
However Matthew Goode – who previously played Henry Talbot – will not be reprising his role.
Here’s a full list of the central cast and new faces for the third instalment:
- Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Talbot
- Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham
- Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham
- Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith Pelham
- Jim Carter as Mr Charles Carson
- Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates
- Penelope Wilton as Isobel Merton
- Brendan Coyle as John Bates
- Phyllis Logan as Mrs Elsie Hughes Carson
- Dominic West as Guy Dexter
- Allen Leech as Tom Branson
- Sophie McShera as Daisy Parker
- Lesley Nicol as Mrs Beryl Patmore
- Kevin Doyle as Joseph Molesley
- Raquel Cassidy as Phyllis Baxter
- Paul Giamatti as Harold Levinson
- Joely Richardson as TBC
- Alessandro Nivola as TBC
- Simon Russell Beale as TBC
- Arty Froushan as TBC
Downton Abbey 3 plot: What will happen?
The upcoming film picks up in the early 1930s, continuing the story of the Crawley family and their loyal household staff as they navigate a rapidly changing world. Set against a backdrop of social upheaval, financial strain, and personal loss, the film promises an emotional farewell to the beloved period drama.
While a full synopsis is yet to be released, early teasers hint at themes of legacy, transition, and letting go, with Lady Mary now firmly at the helm of the estate. One poignant scene shows her mourning beside a portrait of her grandma, the Dowager Countess, and a touching nod to the late Dame Maggie Smith, whose character Violet Crawley died in the previous film.
Meanwhile, the trailer also revealed why Matthew Goode's character Henry Talbot is absent – with a dramatic moment showing that he and Lady Mary are growing through a divorce, something which has caused a major scandal in their social circles.
The film is directed by Simon Curtis, who also helmed Downton Abbey: A New Era. Series creator Julian Fellowes once again provides the screenplay, ensuring a faithful continuation of the world he built over more than a decade.
Is there a trailer for Downton Abbey 3?
Yes, the first teaser trailer has been released, offering fans an emotional glimpse at the final chapter. It shows familiar faces returning to Downton, with Lady Mary reflecting on the past and a touching tribute to the late Dowager Countess.
Watch the trailer below:
Downton Abbey 3 will be released Friday 12th September 2025.
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