Universal Pictures UK has set the stage for aristocratic splendour with the announcement of Downton Abbey 3, slated to grace cinemas on September 12, 2025.
The news was shared with great fanfare on their Instagram account, as they proclaimed: “A new motion picture event. The third film in the beloved #DowntonAbbey franchise will be released only in cinemas September 12, 2025.”
The upcoming film promises a reunion of esteemed actors such as Hugh Bonneville, embodying the role of Robert Crawley, alongside Dominic West and Elizabeth McGovern.
Expectant mother Joanne Froggatt is also set to return, joining forces with Allen Leech and Penelope Wilton to bring the cherished characters back to life.
Adding to the grand ensemble, Paul Giamatti will reprise his role as Cora’s brother Harold Levinson, while Joely Richardson and “House of the Dragon” luminaries Simon Russell Beale and Arty Froushan are anticipated to join the cast.
Although the storyline remains under wraps, the screenplay comes from the pen of Julian Fellowes, with production helmed by Gareth Neame, Fellowes, and Liz Trubridge.
This thrilling announcement builds on the previous month’s teaser that included a sneak peek of the cast at a script read-through, signalling the green light for the third chapter of the Downton narrative.
In an emotional snippet from the teaser, Michelle Dockery shares her sentiments: “It feels amazing, a tad emotional. It’s wonderful to all be back together again. We come back together and it’s like no time has passed at all.”
The cast’s excitement is palpable as they declare: “We’re so happy to announce that we’re in production for the third ‘Downton Abbey’ movie. We can’t wait to see you.”
The highly acclaimed period drama debuted on ITV in 2011, spawning six series and two films.
The narrative revolves around the fictitious Crawley family and their household staff during the early 20th century.
Set in the imaginary Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey, the story commences in 1912. The ITV series addressed some of the era’s most significant events, including both World Wars, the 1923 British election, and the Spanish Influenza.
The first pair of films, released in 2019 and 2022, grossed an impressive $287.3 million worldwide.