This September Downton Abbey 3 will be released, marking the first film in the period drama franchise without the late beloved Dame Maggie Smith.
The Oscar-winning actress’s iconic character, the Dowager Duchess Lady Violet Crawley, was written out at the end of Downton Abbey: A New Era before Smith’s passing.
Michelle Dockery has stated that the third film will serve as a "beautiful tribute" to the legendary actress.
Additionally, the actress who plays Lady Mary has confirmed Hugh Bonneville's shocking revelation from last year that Downton Abbey truly marks the end of the road for the franchise, reports the Express.
In a recent interview, Michelle revealed that the film was always intended to be a trilogy, stating, "I’m really excited to see the final film."
She also shared what the last day on set was like.
In an interview with Collider, she shared: “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."
Although details of the plot still remain unknown, its confirmed that Oscar-nominee Paul Giamatti will return to his role as Harold Levinson, Cora’s brother, last seen in the 2013 Christmas special.
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Dame Maggie Smith sadly passed away at the age of 89 in September of last year, with her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, confirming her death.
Throughout her long career, she became a beloved internationally actress, particularly known for her portrayal of the passionate teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
Later in her career, she won the hearts of Harry Potter fans as the sharp-witted, kind, and strong-willed Professor McGonagall.
In 2010, she became a key figure in the success of ITV’s Downton Abbey, earning an Emmy for her role as the sharp and witty Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, a character she continued to portray in the film adaptations, before being written out of the Downton Abbey: A New Era film.
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