Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is being released in cinemas on September 12 and it marks the final film in the Downton Abbey franchise.
Many of the original stars are set to return and ahead of its release, creator Julian Fellowes spoke to Radio Times about whether this really is the end of an era.
When asked whether there was potential for any spin-offs, he said continuing to explore characters’ different sides can only be experienced in a series.
He explained: “When you think of somebody like Thomas (Rob James-Collier), his evolution was very moving.”
Thomas Barrow was a secretly gay servant who initially came across as spiteful, but he found a new lease of life after meeting Guy Dexter (Dominic West).
When asked if Thomas could be in the frame for his own series, Fellowes said: “I think you could make a case for many of them.”
He added: “I like to write characters where the audience changes their mind about them and I hope they did with Thomas.”
However, he did say he had “probably said most of what I’ve got to say”, so he could not be sure whether it could happen.
“I don’t know…Every time I say ‘never’ in this business, I find six months later, I’m doing exactly what I said I’d never do,” he concluded.
This is not the first time Downton stars have addressed a potential spin-off as in a separate interview with Deadline, Lady Cora actress Elizabeth McGovern teased an interesting prospect.
When asked if this really is the end of Downton Abbey, Elizabeth confirmed: “It is, definitely.”
But 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.”
This time, for the final film, the story centres around Lady Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery) and her divorce, which has caused a public stir.
Meanwhile, the family is facing a financial crisis, which could damage their reputation further.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is being released in cinemas on September 12
