Is this really the end of Downton Abbey? Here’s what the cast and creator have said

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The movie “Downton Abbey: The Farewell Season” is now playing in theaters, signifying the second conclusion for the extended series that concluded its television run in 2015.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel a tinge of skepticism when it comes to series endings these days, especially when they’re labeled as “The Grand Finale.” So, I must admit, I share your doubts about whether Downton Abbey’s swansong truly marks the end.

Instead of asking random people, it would make more sense to consult the original cast members themselves – Laura Carmichael, Joanne Froggatt, and Michelle Dockery – as they are the ones who have lived the Downton Abbey experience. Here’s what they had to share about whether ‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’ truly marks the end.

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According to Carmichael, confirmed to Digital Spy, it’s indeed the last one. And Froggatt concurred, stating that yes, it truly is the final installment.

Carmichael expressed that it was a remarkable achievement for someone to know when something should conclude. He added that it felt fitting to bid farewell to it, and he believed everyone was ready for this change. Furthermore, he mentioned that they were extremely pleased with the way it concluded, particularly in the TV series.

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Froggatt noted that it’s not often one gets the opportunity to provide a conclusion for something that’s episodic and begins as a series, as shows don’t always decide when they will end. Consequently, such opportunities to offer a satisfying finale to the audience aren’t always available.

Not only have we managed to accomplish it on two occasions, but being able to close things off by celebrating the past fifteen years with this endeavor makes for a lovely conclusion. It would seem a pity to mar that beauty.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel the pulse-racing intensity of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. It ties up every plot thread in an emotional knot that leaves long-term viewers reaching for tissues. Though it seems like we’ve seen the last of our beloved characters, there’s a subtle hint that they might return to grace our screens once more. Will they or won’t they? Only time will tell.

For Dockery, it seems as though this is an ending, yet there’s a hint of something more to come in the storyline, but possibly not involving these original characters.

There is a genuine sense of legacy being passed down to future generations. For many characters, it seems like they are truly handing over the torch, and I was genuinely satisfied with how everything concluded, even for Mary. This was expressed to Digital Spy.

Indeed, Julian Fellowes, the mind behind Downton Abbey, mentioned in a Deadline interview back in June 2025 that he’s become accustomed to not ruling things out definitively. However, it appears that the original cast members remain firm in their belief that the story might have reached its conclusion.

In a different perspective, Froggatt proposes that perhaps a prequel with a new set of actors could be an option instead of the original characters reappearing. She hints at the potential for such a storyline, but doesn’t think it would involve the current Downton Abbey cast.

The notion seems to align with Fellowes’ remarks to the Los Angeles Times, suggesting that the upcoming film likely marks the conclusion for the original cast members.

It has been a while since we’ve been together, but unfortunately, this is it for us. As for any future Downton Abbey replicas, sequels, or similarities, I can’t say for certain. At present, there are no definite plans.

“But whatever comes back, it won’t be with this original cast. We’ve come to a natural ending.”

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is out now in cinemas.

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2025-09-12 09:19