As fans get ready to head to the theater to see Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the third movie in a film trilogy following the end of the hit TV series Downton Abbey, many are wondering if this will truly be the last time they see the popular family on screen.
Actor Hugh Bonneville, who has been part of the franchise since the beginning as Lord Robert Grantham, addressed the possibility in a new interview, declaring if this is “really the end” of Downton Abbey.
Speaking with Hello!magazine about the 2025 movie, Bonneville was asked by the publication, “Is this really the end of Downton Abbey?”
“I think it is. This feels like a good time to say goodbye,” proclaimed Bonneville. “It’s a natural ending, in a way, with the passing of Dame Maggie Smith, our matriarch. We all started on this journey together and we’re very proud to end it here, 15 years later, but Downton Abbey will always be there [for us].”
Franchise Star Maggie Smith Died After the Last Downton Abbey Movie
Smith played the family matriarch, Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the show and the first two films, Downton Abbey and Downton Abbey: A New Era. The prolific actress died in 2024, leaving the new movie with the huge task of paying tribute to Smith in a touching and fulfilling way.
Bonneville also addressed this aspect of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale in his new interview, saying, “Her presence is very much felt. I mean, she doesn’t step out of the shower and it’s all been a dream – she is gone, but she is there with us in spirit.”
“And, of course, she is very much missed by all the cast and crew,” he concluded.
While Smith couldn’t return for the new movie, many members of the beloved cast are back for the final adventure, including Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt, Elizabeth McGovern, Laura Carmichael, Allen Leech and more.
Related: Downton Abbey Star Reveals Her Pregnancy Was Written Into the Final Movie
Bonneville Teased What’s Next for Him After Downton Abbey
After stating that he thinks this is the end of the franchise, Bonneville shared a bit of his plans for what’s next in his career.
“I want to do more theatre. It sounds a cliche, but the theatre is my home,” he said, before adding, “I’ve come to love working in film and TV, but I love being in a live environment even more.”
Despite his plans to focus on theatre, Bonneville also has quite a few screen roles already lined up. He finished filming the movie Christmas Karma, coming out later this year, and he is part of the list of actors joining the Netflix show The Gentlemen for the upcoming second season. Bonneville has a couple of other projects coming up as well.
Related: ‘Downton Abbey’ Co-Stars Thank ‘Life-Changing’ Show While Revealing Secret Marriage
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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