Exciting News: 'Downton Abbey 3' Confirmed with Familiar and New Faces

Downton Abbey 3 has been confirmed to be in the works.

The upcoming installment in the Crawleys' journey will continue from the events of Downton Abbey: A New Era released in 2022. The script will be penned by the original creator, Julian Fellowes, and the film will be directed by Simon Curtis, as announced by Focus Features and Carnival Films on Monday, May 13.

Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary), Hugh Bonneville (Robert Crawley, Lord Grantham), Elisabeth McGovern (Lady Cora), and Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith) will all be back in their roles as the aristocratic Crawley family. They will be joined by Allen Leech (Tom Branson) and Penelope Wilton (Isobel Crawley).

The trusted domestic staff of the Crawleys will also be returning, including Jim Carter (Mr. Carson), Phyllis Logan (Mrs. Hughes), Joanne Froggatt (Anna Bates), Brendan Coyle (Mr. Bates), Lesley Nicol (Mrs. Patmore), Sophie McShera (Daisy Parker), Michael Fox (Andy Parker), Robert James-Collier (Thomas Barrow), Kevin Doyle (Mr. Molesley), and Raquel Cassidy (Phyllis Baxter).

Actress Maggie Smith, who played the beloved character Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, is notably absent from the 2022 movie as her character passed away.

However, the Crawley family will welcome a new member as recent Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti will be returning to play Cora’s brother, Harold Levinson. Giamatti originally portrayed the role in season 4 of Downton Abbey and is known for his performance in The Holdovers, which earned him a best supporting actor nomination.

Giamatti will be joined by fellow newcomers Joely Richardson (Nip/Tuck), Alessandro Nivola (The Many Saints of Newark), Arty Froushan and Simon Russell Beale.

Downton Abbey 3 Is Happening With Paul Giamatti Joely Richardson and More

Downton Abbey Cover Images

Dominic West will also reprise his role as actor Guy Dexter from 2022’s A New Era.

Downton Abbey first premiered as a popular period drama on PBS, running for six seasons from 2011 to 2016. The show received critical acclaim, winning multiple Emmys and Golden Globes. It also led to the release of two spinoff movies, with the first one coming out in 2018.

Following the success of the first movie, A New Era, which was released in 2022, there has been much speculation about the possibility of a third Downton Abbey film.

Bonneville, who portrays Crawley patriarch Robert (also known as Lord Grantham), suggested that the second movie could potentially serve as the concluding chapter in the franchise.

In a 2022 interview with Business Insider, Bonneville expressed uncertainty about the possibility of a third movie. He mentioned considering the idea due to a perceived interest, but ultimately feels that it may be time to conclude the series as things have evolved.

"I believe the second film was a delightful and satisfying conclusion to the story," he mentioned in a different interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "While there are still some possibilities left open, I feel like it might be the right moment to bring the story to a close."

Editor's P/S:

The news of a third Downton Abbey film has sparked both excitement and intrigue among fans of the beloved period drama. While the return of the iconic Crawley family and their trusted staff is sure to delight viewers, the absence of Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess leaves a significant void. The announcement of new additions to the cast, including Oscar-nominated Paul Giamatti, brings fresh energy to the franchise and hints at compelling storylines in the upcoming film.

Despite Hugh Bonneville's previous suggestions that the second film could serve as a satisfying conclusion, the confirmation of a third installment indicates the enduring appeal and longevity of the Downton Abbey universe. Whether this latest film will truly bring the story to a close remains to be seen. Fans can eagerly anticipate the return of their favorite characters while speculating on the future of the Crawleys and their grand estate.