Michelle Dockery, who stars in Downton Abbey 3, hinted that the new movie will feel “really special” for fans. She returns as Lady Mary, possibly for the last time, in the sequel.
The third Downton Abbey film gives the cast and crew a chance to honor their late co-star Dame Maggie Smith, who passed away in September 2024. Dockery also revealed that Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey, always planned to make a trilogy of movies, even before Smith’s passing.
I think there was always an intention to do three films. I think the trilogy of films was an intention… I guess that was what was thought of initially. But it’s amazing that we got to do that many films. I mean, we would have been very happy to do one, but the demand was to do more, and it’s been an incredible experience.
Michelle Dockery shared with Collider,
Dockery reflected on how the idea of a trilogy was planned from the start but expressed gratitude for the opportunity to create multiple movies, thanks to the fans’ enthusiasm.
Downton Abbey 3 is expected to be the final film in the series, although Michelle Dockery admitted the franchise has had “so many last times” before. “This time around, I think we really relished every minute,” she said.
It being the last, it felt really, really special. Like anything, when something comes to an end, it’s emotional but just such a happy place to be. It’s always been a very happy place to be and a wonderful thing to be part of for the last 15 years.
Paul Giamatti, a two-time Oscar nominee, returns in Downton Abbey 3 as Lady Cora’s brother, Harold Levinson. He will reunite with his sister abroad, marking his return to the series after his appearance in the 2013 Christmas special. Michelle Dockery shared her excitement about working with him again, saying,
Working with Paul again was wonderful. He’s so much fun. And because he was already part of the family, it was lovely to have him back on set, so I’m really excited to see the final film.
In his first appearance, Harold struggled with the formal lifestyle of his sister’s world. He joined his mother, Martha (Shirley MacLaine), for Lady Rose Aldridge’s high-society debut but wasn’t thrilled about being far from home. However, Harold found a reason to visit again after forming a romantic connection with Madeleine Allsopp (Poppy Drayton).

The next Downton Abbey movie will bring back many familiar characters, including Dominic West from The Wire as Guy Dexter, a silent film actor. West first appeared in Downton Abbey: A New Era, where his character formed a romantic bond with Thomas Barrow (Robert James-Collier), the Crawley family’s butler. Guy invited Thomas to leave Grantham House with him, but how they return to England in the new movie remains a mystery.
New actors joining Downton Abbey 3 include Alessandro Nivola (Kraven the Hunter), Joely Richardson (The Sandman), and Arty Froushan (Daredevil: Born Again), though their roles haven’t been revealed yet. Fans will also see familiar faces like Phyllis Logan and Jim Carter as Ms. and Mr. Carson, Dame Penelope Wilton as Lady Merton, and Sue Johnston as Gladys Denker. The plot of the movie is still under wraps.
Downton Abbey 3 will release worldwide on September 12, 2025.
Source: Collider