The end of Downton Abbey has officially arrived. Cinema-goers can now watch the final installment of the beloved franchise. However, it has been revealed that on its opening day (Friday, 12 September), the hype for the film has not been quite as popular. Several major cinemas in London and Manchester appear to be “empty” for the film’s first day, with Manchester Trafford Centre Odeon and Manchester Printworks Vue both showing only a few seats being booked. At the 18:30 screening at Manchester Trafford Centre Odeon, only 10 seats were booked when this article was written.
Only 22 seats have been reserved for the 19:45 screening at Manchester Printworks Vue. Meanwhile, at London’s Cineworld cinema in Wandsworth, there are 24 attendees at the 19:20 screening and 17 people at the 18:10 viewing.
At London’s Leicester Square Vue cinema, the 18:15 screening has only 14 attendees. At the 19:45 viewing at the same cinema, just 16 people have booked seats to see the finale.
Rated PG and lasting over two hours, the series finally reached its climax after starting on our TV screens in September 2010. The series follows the lives of the British aristocratic Crawley family and their servants from the day after the sinking of the RMS Titanic in April 1912 to the emergence of 1930s Britain in the final film.
The series concluded in 2015 after six seasons, and since then, three feature films have been produced. The movie also sees the return of mainstays such as Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, and Jim Carter.
Downton Abbey jump-started the careers of many now well-known cast members. Lily James, who played Lady Rose, was just starting out in her acting career and is now famed for huge roles such as Cinderella, Mamma Mia!, Yesterday, Baby Driver, and the new adaptation of Rebecca.
Laura Carmichael went on to star in Marcella and The Spanish Princess, whilst Hugh Bonneville has also been featured in three Paddington films and the series, The Gold.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is now available to watch in cinemas.