Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is due to land in cinemas in the coming weeks, and Elizabeth McGovern has revealed what fans can expect from the film. It marks the third and final film in the Downton Abbey franchise, which will see many of the show’s iconic stars return to their roles one last time.
Elizabeth, 64, has revealed that things were different on set this time round, with one specific rule being broke. She told how the new film includes a bit of improvisation, which was previously forbidden.
“Most of the time, there was an absolute rule that not one syllable could ever be changed,” she told Deadline. “Which, in a way, gives it its distinctive flavour.”
The upcoming title also marks the first Downton Abbey film without Maggie Smith, who played Violet Crawley. The actress sadly passed away in September 2024.
Maggie’s absence was deeply felt among the cast, but Elizabeth revealed that the film still manages to capture the magic of Downton Abbey, where Maggie’s presence still remains.
“She permeates everything, definitely,” Elizabeth said.
The star, who plays Cora in the hit franchise, reflected on working with the same team for over a decade, with the first episode of Downton Abbey having aired back in 2010.
She said: “You can’t help but feel a real attachment,” before confirming it is “definitely” the end of Downton Abbey.
Despite her certainty, she did add: “Unless they do something like go back in time and it’s a different cast. You know, the young Maggie. There’s been quite a lot of that sort of talk.”
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale will see the likes of Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter and Joanne Frogatt all return to their roles.
New faces joining the cast include Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale and Arty Froushan.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale arrives in cinemas on 12 September.