Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale reveals its first footage at CinemaCon. Set to release in theaters this September, the movie will serve as the ultimate conclusion to the beloved British period drama, sending off six seasons of television and two prior films. Though specific plot details remain under wraps, it has been confirmed that Downton Abbey 3 will see the return of all the core cast members, including Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Robert James-Collier, Jim Carter, and so many more.
During the Universal CinemaCon presentation, where ScreenRant was in attendance, Focus Features shared new details about Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. The first trailer for the film was screened, and according to SR‘s own Mansoor Mithaiwala, it played out like this:
Begins on a horse track with a shot of the Crawleys. Carson announces, “Welcome to 1930.” We see Lady Mary and Edith a few times. Then, one by one, each of the original cast returns to Downton Abbey, with Lady Mary dressed in all red. Several shots of parties and everyone celebrating. It ends with Robert kissing his hand and then placing it on the side of the Abbey.
What This Means For Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
A Heartwarming Conclusion Lies Ahead
Though light on plot details, the Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale footage hints at a nostalgic and heartwarming conclusion to the franchise. As Carson (Carter) notes, the franchise is entering a brand new decade, which has historically brought much change for the Crawleys and their staff. With both the show and the previous two movies depicting how history impacts the Downton Abbey characters and their world, it seems The Grand Finale will explore how the 1930s bring both uncertainty and big life changes.
The previous movie, Downton Abbey: A New Era, took place in 1928, so there will be a two-year time jump.
While it isn’t certain that the movie will end with the Crawleys giving up Downton for good, the shot of Robert (Hugh Bonneville) pressing a kiss to the building at least indicates The Grand Finale will pay tribute to the institution and all it has meant to the family. At the same time, it likely won’t be a sad farewell, as the footage description notes there are plenty of celebratory scenes. Though it might be bittersweet, odds are Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale will go out on an optimistic note.
This Is Going To Be An Emotional One
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale being the final film in the franchise was already cause for strong emotions, but this will also serve as the only installment to not feature Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess. Even before the legendary actor’s passing in 2024, her character Violet died during the Downton Abbey: A New Era ending. Because of that, there’s little doubt the third movie will serve as a powerful tribute to both the late actor and Violet. Though the first footage so far sounds very uplifting, I’m predicting plenty of tears will be shed while watching The Grand Finale.
Source: Universal/Focus Features
Downton Abbey 3
- Release Date
-
September 12, 2025
- Director
-
Simon Curtis
- Writers
-
Julian Fellowes