Downton Abbey 3 Release Date, Cast and Hugh Bonneville Heartbreaking News | Movie | Entertainment

It’s two years since Downton Abbey: A New Era (which is on ITV1 tonight) hit cinemas, with the third film set to hit the big screen in 2025.

Of course, Downton Abbey 3 will have a gaping hole without the late great Dame Maggie Smith, whose Lady Violet died at the end of the last film before her own death last September.

Some fans have wondered how the franchise can continue without the Dowager’s biting wit, and from the sounds of it, the third film will be a big farewell.

Lord Grantham star Hugh Bonneville revealed in a new interview with Jason King on Heart Breakfast while promoting Paddington in Peru.

The presenter asked: “We briefly mentioned Downton (Abbey), the movie, is that a thing, will you be there, will we see you in it?”

Hugh replied: “The third film we shot this summer, yeah, so it comes out in September next year and I think that’s pretty much the end of the story.

King asked for clarification: “That’s the end of the story?” and the Downton Abbey star replied: “Yes, yes. But it’s been a wonderful journey and so I think the third one will be a good sign for fans of the show.”

The Lord Grantham actor previously teased that his character could die in Downton Abbey 3.

Whatever the case, joining the usual returning cast is Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti, reprising his role as Harold Levinson, brother of the Countess of Grantham, last seen in Downton Abbey’s 2013 Christmas Special, The London Season .

Meanwhile, Dominic West reprises Guy Dexter from the second film and Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola and Simon Russell Beale will appear in the third film.

Downton Abbey 3 hits UK cinemas on 12 September 2025.