“Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” is set to premiere on Friday, marking the anticipated conclusion for fans of the beloved franchise. This third installment in the series continues the saga that started with “Downton Abbey” in 2019 and “A New Era” in 2022.
The film delves into the lives of the Crawley family and their devoted staff as they navigate the challenges of steering Downton Abbey into the 1930s. Promising to wrap up the narratives that originated from the ITV show, which aired for six seasons from 2010 to 2015, the movie is expected to provide closure.
Despite being labeled as the “grand finale,” there are hints of potential spin-offs, including a rumored prequel series. Allen Leech, renowned for his portrayal of Tom Branson, hinted at the possibility of extending the story beyond the current film. He suggested that a prequel exploring the backstory of the late Dame Maggie Smith’s character, Violet Crawley, might be in the works.
Violet, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, played a significant role in the franchise but met her demise in the second film released three years ago. Leech indicated during an interview that a prequel project focusing on Violet’s history could be in development, shedding light on her earlier years.
Furthermore, there is speculation about potential storylines set in the 1970s at the Downton Abbey estate. Leech mentioned the prospect of exploring the “debauched madness” that transpired in the house during that era, hinting at different narrative directions for future projects.
As the release of the upcoming film approaches, the late Maggie Smith, who was a pivotal figure in the series since its inception, is honored as the film is described as a final tribute to her legacy. The cast, including Hugh Bonneville, reflects on the significance of bidding farewell to both the character and the actress, emphasizing the lasting impact of her contribution to the show.
As creator Julian Fellowes prepares for the release of the third film, he acknowledges the completeness of the journey with the original concept and cast. While not ruling out the possibility of future adaptations, he expressed satisfaction with the culmination of the series and its characters, hinting at the potential for spin-offs centered around various beloved characters.
Fans eagerly awaiting more Downton Abbey content can also look forward to a special program by ITV celebrating the franchise on the film’s release day. Titled “Downton Abbey Celebrates The Grand Finale,” the cast reunion promises to offer behind-the-scenes insights and cherished memories from the past 15 years.
“Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” is scheduled for release in the UK on Friday. Additionally, “Downton Abbey Celebrates The Grand Finale” will be accessible on ITVX simultaneously, with a later airing on ITV3 on Saturday at 9 pm.