New Downton Abbey movie announced — with a surprise returning guest

Ever since the Downton Abbey TV series wrapped up in 2016, fans have been clamouring for more.

Luckily, the cast and creators have been just as reluctant to say goodbye, with two subsequent feature films continuing the Crawley family saga — and a brand new movie just announced this morning.

The third, as-yet-untitled story will bring back return of most of the show’s beloved ensemble cast. Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter and Phyllis Logan — to name but a few — will all be returning to their iconic upstairs and downstairs roles.

Among the new cast announced is beloved character actor Paul Giamatti, who will be reprising a role he briefly but memorably played in the season four Christmas special.

Giamatti (who recently landed an Oscar nomination for his acclaimed performance in The Holdovers) will once again play Harold Levinson, Cora’s “free spirited” playboy brother from the United States.

Series creator Julian Fellowes will return to write the story. Simon Curtis, who helmed previous entry Downton Abbey: A New Era, will once again direct.

Focus Features and Carnival Films are thrilled to announce the third film in the beloved Downton Abbey franchise. More information: https://t.co/nupZ9LkeXd pic.twitter.com/cRFH4SpOsb

— Downton Abbey (@DowntonAbbey) May 13, 2024

“It feels amazing, a tad emotional,” said Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary) in the accompanying announcement video.

“It’s wonderful to all be back together again. We come back together and it’s like no time has passed at all.”

Sadly, this could be the last outing for residents and servants of Downton Abbey, if series star Imelda Staunton (Lady Maud Bagshaw) is to be believed.

When questioned about the franchise, the Crown star revealed: “There will be the final film – there you go.”

Staunton herself was not included in the new announcement, though “many other fan favourites” are teased to return.

Read more: Here’s what critics are saying about ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’