‘Downton Abbey 3’ is currently in production, aiming to honor the legacy of the late Dame Maggie Smith, who played the beloved character Violet Crawley, Countess of Grantham. The film has taken on additional meaning following her passing, marking what producers describe as an “end of an era.” Gareth Neame, the general manager, noted that the cast and crew’s deep respect for Smith will be evident in the upcoming movie, slated for release on September 12, 2025.
In an interview, Neame expressed the profound impact of Smith’s death on the film’s narrative. Emmy-winning writer and former BBC executive emphasized that the story has gained poignancy, portraying characters who mourn the matriarch, enhancing the emotional depth and authenticity of the film.
The threequel, produced by Focus Features and Universal Pictures International, concluded filming in the summer. It features a screenplay by Julian Fellowes, the series creator and Oscar winner. The film will showcase returning cast members including Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, and Michelle Dockery, among others, many of whom honored Smith following her death at age 89.
Maggie Smith, who was also known for her roles in the “Harry Potter” series, garnered three Primetime Emmy Awards for her portrayal of the Countess throughout the show’s six-season run. She reprised her role in two films, with her character’s death occurring in the 2022 installment, “Downton Abbey: A New Era.”