In an eagerly awaited announcement, the makers of “Downton Abbey 3” have finally revealed that the highly anticipated film will hit theaters globally on September 12, 2025. This exciting news was reported by Variety, to the delight of fans worldwide who have been awaiting the next chapter of the beloved franchise.
“Downton Abbey” originally debuted as a 2019 historical drama film that captivated audiences with its depiction of a bygone era. Written by Julian Fellowes, the series creator and writer for the acclaimed TV series of the same name, and directed by Michael Engler, the film was set in 1927 and centered around a royal visit to the Crawley family’s stately home in Yorkshire. Due to the film’s success, a sequel titled “Downton Abbey: A New Era” followed in 2022, continuing the saga of the Crawley family.
The third film is presently under production in the UK and promises to bring back many familiar faces while also introducing new characters. Focus Features and Carnival Films have again joined forces for “Downton Abbey 3,” with Simon Curtis once more at the helm. Curtis directed the 2022 sequel, and his return is expected to ensure continuity and coherence in the unfolding narrative.
The cast list reads like a veritable who’s who of the “Downton Abbey” universe. Hugh Bonneville returns as Robert Crawley, alongside Dominic West, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Penelope Wilton, Lesley Nicol, Michael Fox, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Sophie McShera, Douglas Reith, and Dominic West, who notably portrayed a silent movie star in the second film.
Excitingly, there are some notable additions to the cast. Paul Giamatti is reprising his role from the original TV series, much to the fans’ delight. New faces such as Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale, and Arty Froushan will also be joining the ensemble, promising fresh dynamics and intriguing new character arcs.
.
While the specifics of the plot remain tightly under wraps, it is known that the film will pick up from where the 2022 sequel left off. The end of “A New Era” saw the Crawley family dealing with the tragic death of Maggie Smith’s character, the formidable Lady Violet, the great matriarch. This passing handed the reins over to her granddaughter, Lady Mary, played by Michelle Dockery. Fans are eager to see how Lady Mary will navigate her new role and what challenges and changes lie ahead for the Crawley family and their loyal staff.
Gareth Neame, Julian Fellowes, and Liz Trubridge are on board as producers for this latest installment, ensuring that the series retains the high standards and meticulous attention to historical detail that have become a hallmark of the “Downton Abbey” franchise. Carnival Films is once again responsible for the production, with Focus Features and Universal Pictures International handling distribution, as reported by Variety.
The series, known for its intricate depiction of the British aristocracy and the lives of those who serve them, has garnered a dedicated following since it first aired. The films have effectively expanded on the themes and stories introduced in the series, bringing them to a broader global audience.
As anticipation builds for the September 2025 release, fans can expect more news and sneak peeks to emerge over the coming months. “Downton Abbey 3” promises to deliver more of the drama, romance, and historical intrigue that has made the franchise a staple for viewers around the world.
This next chapter in the beloved series aims to honor its complex characters and engaging storylines, while continuing to explore the socio-political changes of the late 1920s and early 1930s. With a stellar cast, returning favorites, and intriguing new additions, “Downton Abbey 3” is shaping up to be another must-see event in the cinematic calendar.
