Downton abbey shares first-look after beloved character confirms exit

Earlier this year, fans at CinemaCon were treated to a sneak peek of the Downton Abbey teaser, which hinted at "plenty of tears" and a "heartbreaking" conclusion to the

much-loved period drama. The third and final film in the series, The Grand Finale, is notably absent of the late Dame Maggie Smith. The first public trailer was released today, revealing

that the film is set in 1930 and marks the return of Paul Giamatti as Cora Crawley's brother, Harold Levinson. The footage suggests a bright beginning; however, Julian Fellowes'

script may well hint at turbulent times ahead. With 1930 being just a year after the Wall Street Crash and a touching scene of Hugh Bonneville's Lord Grantham kissing the walls of

Downton Abbey, fans are left wondering if the future holds a National Trust fate for the grand estate, reports the Daily Record. The official synopsis for The Grand Finale reads:

"DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE, the cinematic return of the global phenomenon, follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s." It continued: "As the

beloved cast of characters navigates how to lead Downton Abbey into the future, they must embrace change and welcome a new chapter." The film boasts a star-studded cast including Simon

Russell Beale, Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Michael Fox, Joanne Froggatt, Paul Giamatti and Harry

Hadden-Paton. Also gracing the screen are Robert James-Collier, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, Alessandro Nivola, Dominic West, Penelope

Wilton, Arty Froushan, Joely Richardson, Paul Copley, and Douglas Reith. This update follows the announcement that Matthew Goode won't be returning as Henry Talbot in the final

instalment of the series. Despite appearing in the 2019 film, Goode has pointed to other professional engagements and health issues as reasons for not being part of the upcoming sequels.

Speaking to Radio Times, the 47 year old actor explained: "I was unavailable for the second because I was doing The Offer. Then, for the third, I was shooting this (Dept Q)," as

reported by Devon Live. He also disclosed a knee injury that led to surgery, adding: "But I also buggered my knee, and I had to have an operation. That takes weeks to get over, so I was

never going to be able to do it. And let's face it, he was edging towards becoming a bit of a wet lettuce. So maybe it's a good thing." DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE IS SET

TO HIT UK CINEMAS ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2025