The doors to Downton are opening one last time — and this time, it’s for goodbye. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale officially premieres in theatres on September 12, and the newly released trailer invites us back into the grand halls of the Crawley estate for one final, emotional visit. After more than a decade of upstairs-downstairs drama, witty remarks, romantic entanglements, and historic milestones, it all comes down to this: one last gathering, one final bow.
Set in a new decade, the trailer wastes no time ushering viewers into a world of opulence, music, and memory. There’s a sense that we’re no longer just watching a period drama — we’re witnessing a slice of history, filtered through the legacy of a show that’s captivated audiences since 2010. And, of course, the halls of Downton haven’t changed a bit. The ghost of Maggie Smith’s inimitable Violet Crawley, whose legacy lingers like perfume in the drawing room, haunts the halls as we travel into a new era.
But the trailer is tinged with scandal, too. Lady Mary’s perilous marriage leads to headlines in the newspapers, the arrival of Harold Levinson ushers in a threat to the very existence of Downton, and from the looks of things we may actually be saying goodbye to Downton Abbey. Not just the show, not just the people, but to the bricks and mortar itself.
The Grand Finale brings back just about everyone who ever set foot on the Downton estate — and then some. Returning cast includes Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt, Jim Carter, Raquel Cassidy, Paul Copley, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, and Michael Fox. Also returning is Paul Giamatti as Harold Levinson, last seen charming and confounding in equal measure. But just as Downton closes its doors, it opens them briefly for some fresh faces. Newcomers Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale, and Arty Froushan are set to join the cast.
‘The Grand Finale’ Will Be a “Real Tribute” to Maggie Smith
In a recent conversation with Collider’s Steve Weintraub, Michelle Dockery spoke movingly about what The Grand Finale means to the cast — and how it honors the indelible mark left by Maggie Smith.
“It’s a beautiful film. For us, it was such a treat to be able to come back together again. It’s a real tribute to Maggie Smith, the film.”
Reflecting on the emotions of filming those final scenes after so many years of playing Lady Mary, Dockery added:
“For us, we’ve had so many last times. But this time around, I think we really relished every minute. It being the last, it felt really, really special. Like anything, when something comes to an end, it’s emotional but just such a happy place to be. It’s always been a very happy place to be and a wonderful thing to be part of for the last 15 years.”
The final chapter of Downton Abbey opens in theatres September 12.
