Dame Maggie Smith slams reports of her iconic role

As soon as the massive hit television show Downton Abbey aired its final episode, the rumour of a big screen reboot or continuation has been on the lips and fingertips of fans and executives.

One person that is having none of it is the woman that brought the witty Dowager Duchess into people’s homes every week, Dame Maggie Smith. Maggie Smith has had a long and successful career. However, it was her turn as Duchess in Downton Abby and Professor McGonical in the Harry Potter films that endeared her to the US and Australian audiences.

Speaking at the BFI & Radio Times Television Festival in London the topic of conversation came around to the proposed Abbey film and Maggie made no hesitation in letting everyone know how she felt.  She said the crowd, “I think it’s squeezing it dry, do you know what I mean?”

Maggie feels that the show that developed over six seasons couldn’t be told in a single movie. She added, “I don’t know what it could possibly be. It’s too meandering.”  If the movie happens, it will be without Maggie.

She also stated that while she has no problem signing autographs with the young Potter fans, the Abbey fans do bother her a bit. She told the audience, “(Children) are charming. Truly. If they want an autograph or photograph – fine. It’s the big people who should know better.”

No word on how many asked her for a photo or autograph after that statement.

Would you like to see a Downton Abbey film or was the series good enough? What is your favourite role of Maggie Smith?