WHAT WE KNOW: ‘DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE’
The finale for one of the most popular pop culture titles of the 2000s is upon us. Or very nearly. The Crawley Family invites us back one final time in another Downton Abbey adventure, which will bring us back to the gilded and stunning halls of this delightful estate. Because this is such a monumental event, we have to round up and gather a little what we know about Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale film. The classic favorite brings back much of the beloved cast and of course, stunning costumes as well.
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WHAT WE KNOW: ‘DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE.’ Looking at the things we know about #DowntonAbbey. #MichelleDockery #PeriodDrama #JulianFellowes #HughBonneville Share on XAs bittersweet as it is to go into this knowing it’s our final trip to this favorite place. We have seen love stories and new life, clever business deals and schemes all unfold in this house. Now we have to, along with our most favorite characters, say goodbye to this space. Some of the things about this story and film are being kept under wraps but we decided to hunt up what we do know so we can have some fun – and speculate together, about what we might see!
WHAT we know ABOUT DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE
THE CAST and CHARACTERS
Many of the characters we loved played by a cast who makes us care will return. From what we’ve learned, some key faces are also missing which makes us wonder, will we be surprised or are they naught to return? We already know that Matthew Goode’s Henry Talbot won’t return as he shared in a Radio Times piece. In that piece, Goode is quoted as saying that this is a “good thing” given his character was sort of “wet lettuce.” I don’t entirely agree with this as every time I saw them on screen together, I felt there was potential and affection between them. So, seeing one of the actors say it’s good (to be missing), well, that’s kind of sad. In the same vein, another spouse seems to be missing.
This time it’s Tuppence Middleton’s Lucy, the secret heir who fell for and married Downton’s favorite chauffeur-turned-son-in-law Tom Branson. She’s not credited but do we think this is to keep it a surprise or is she going to be MIA (more likely) because the actress is set to appear in the next big PBS Masterpiece production of The Forsyte Saga. On the flipside of this, the studio (Focus Features) did just post a compilation video of their love story, so what are we to make of this? Are they just toying with us?
The mainstay cast who are reporting includes Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Joanne Froggatt, Robert James-Collier, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, and Penelope Wilton. Former stars returning include Paul Giamatti (who appeared in one of the series episodes) and Dominic West while newcomers include Alessandro Nivola and Joely Richardson.
ELEGANCE and SOPHISTICATION
If the series of character posters is an indication, this will again be dripping in elegance and sophistication. There will be lots of stunning things and beautiful costumes (the teaser poster alone featuring the red gown clad Lady Mary is sophistication personified). When it comes to the “downstairs” characters, these posters also reveal that things are (ideally) going well for Daisy and Anna and Bates have a lovely (and growing) little family.
THE PLOT
Going off what its production company has to say about the film, Mary will face scandal (are we to assume – see above, this means a divorce?) which threatens not just the Crawley family but also what this may mean for the future of Downton Abbey. It’s so bittersweet to know that this is the final film but on this same token, what is nice is the chance for these actors, the writers and us to know this is goodbye and to be able to properly same our goodbyes. The implication also is that the family will be leaving Downton and the film will pay tribute to the late Maggie Smith, the matriarch who will forever live with us for querying “what is a weekend?” All things must end, and I’d rather the end be out there than the promise of there being more still to come. Below read the official website’s logline.
DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE, the cinematic return of the global phenomenon, follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s. When Mary finds herself at the center of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change as the staff prepares for a new chapter with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future. – Focus Features
THE TRAILER and RELEASE DATE
Focus Features does have an official trailer for this film. I didn’t watch it because I have this thing now about seeing something “fresh,” and with less bias. So watching all the promotional clips or trailers is out. But if you haven’t seen it or you just want to watch if for the one-hundredth time, watch it below.
Don’t miss Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale exclusively in theaters September 12, 2025.
Photos: Alamy | Posters: Focus Features
Will you be watching this? What things from our ‘What we know about Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’ roundup are you most excited for? What do you think Mary’s “scandal” is? Do you think Edith is still happy? How about Branson? Will Lucy simply be away visiting family and they’re still ridiculously happy? Comment all of your thoughts below. Let’s talk all things Downton Abbey.
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