Downton Abbey bosses reveal it was ‘terribly easy’ to convince Maggie Smith that her character should be killed off as production ramps up on third film

Downton Abbey bosses reveal it was 'terribly easy' to convince Maggie Smith that her character should be killed off as production ramps up on third film

As a dedicated Downton Abbey fan since its inception, I can hardly contain my excitement as the third film is finally on its way! The news of Maggie Smith’s character’s departure left me teary-eyed, but knowing that Lady Violet Crawley will be remembered in another installment brings a glimmer of hope.


According to Gareth Neame, the producer of Downton Abbey, it was surprisingly straightforward to persuade Maggie Smith that her character should meet her end.

In the 2022 movie “A New Era,” it was Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, played by Maggie and known for her sharp wit, who sadly passed away after battling a serious illness. This emotional event left many devoted fans in tears.

He mentioned that it was surprisingly straightforward for him since, on occasion, he found the entire situation quite exhausting.

Every year, as the next series approached, she’d often express: “Isn’t it just too much to bear? Couldn’t they simply write me out?” So, when we finally did write her character off, there might have been a bit of her that felt a sense of relief.

Currently, Neame is working on the third Downton Abbey movie, however, he mentioned that creating additional television series wasn’t feasible in the long run, despite ITV expressing a strong interest in producing more.

Downton Abbey bosses reveal it was 'terribly easy' to convince Maggie Smith that her character should be killed off as production ramps up on third film

As someone who has spent countless hours in the fast-paced world of film production, I can attest to the grueling schedules that often stretch from several months to over half a year. However, during one particular project, I realized that such an extended commitment wasn’t sustainable for the long term. My fellow actors and I had dreams, ambitions, and personal projects we wanted to pursue beyond this production. This experience served as a reminder of the importance of balancing our professional obligations with personal growth and exploration.

In late June, it was announced when the third Downton Abbey movie would be released, as filming commenced in Yorkshire.

On September 12, 2025, I’m thrilled to share that the long-awaited movie will hit the global screens! Universal Pictures UK has officially announced this exciting news via their Instagram account. Can’t wait to be a part of the worldwide premiere!

As a die-hard fan of the Downton Abbey series, I am absolutely thrilled to hear that the third film in the beloved franchise is set for release on September 12, 2025! Growing up watching the Crawley family navigate their way through life in the early 20th century, these stories have always held a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to return to the world of Downton Abbey and catch up with the characters that I have come to know and love over the years. The fact that this movie will only be available in cinemas makes it even more exciting, as there is something magical about watching a film on the big screen with a crowd of fellow fans. I’ll definitely be marking my calendar for September 12, 2025 and counting down the days until I can once again immerse myself in the world of Downton Abbey!

The eagerly awaited film will see the return of actors like Hugh, Dominic West, Elizabeth, Michelle, Laura, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, and Robert James-Collier.

Joanne Froggatt, who has just revealed she’s expecting her first baby, along with Allen Leech, Penelope Wilton, Lesley Nicol, Michael Fox, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Sophie McShera, and Douglas Reith are all set to return to Downton.

Additionally, it’s anticipated that Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, along with House of the Dragon stars Simon Russell Beale and Arty Froushan will likely be part of the cast in the upcoming third installment of the series.

The actors seemed cheerful as they came together again to shoot scenes at the expansive Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.

Downton Abbey bosses reveal it was 'terribly easy' to convince Maggie Smith that her character should be killed off as production ramps up on third film
Downton Abbey bosses reveal it was 'terribly easy' to convince Maggie Smith that her character should be killed off as production ramps up on third film

Details concerning the plot of the forthcoming movie yet remain hidden, as it’s penned by Julian Fellowes, co-produced by Gareth Neame, and also co-produced by both Fellowes and Liz Trubridge.

It is likely that events will continue as outlined in “A New Era,” which concluded in the late 1920s after the sad demise of Lady Violet, the matriarch of the Crawley family.

Actress Imelda Staunton shared earlier that the third movie is indeed coming, and she confidently stated it will be the last one in the series.

The showrunners later verified it, revealing plans for a third movie within the cherished Downton Abbey series.

However, while producers have ‘tried to reunite the cast’ some stars will be unable to return. 

A TV insider told The Sun: ‘None of the cast members were guaranteed to return.

Despite the efforts made by the producers to bring back many of the Downton Abbey cast members, not everyone has been available to participate, although some have appeared in the initial two movies.

In February, The Mail revealed the period drama would be making a surprise comeback.

Managers were eager to potentially rehire some well-known actors from the past six seasons and subsequent film adaptations for future projects.

Next year, the series that explored numerous social transformations and global happenings from 1912 to 1928 will return to our screens.

Since its debut on ITV in 2010, this critically acclaimed period series has produced six seasons and two films.

The first two films, released in 2019 and 2022, grossed a combined $287.3 million worldwide.

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2024-08-09 12:34

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