Downton Abbey: The Grand Finalestar Elizabeth McGovern has teased a way in which Julian Fellowes' ever-popular period drama franchise could continue. For 15 years,Downton Abbeyhas delighted, awed, and surprised us all, leaving behind a few broken hearts and plenty of love in its wake. Now, it seems the story of the Crawley family is finally coming to an end – or is it?
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finaleis slated to be the third and final moviein theDownton Abbeyfranchise, as the Crawley family is thrust into the political and financial turmoil of the 1930s. It might not just be the audience saying goodbye to Downton, however; the Crawleys might just be forced to say a final farewell to the estate they’ve called home for generations, too.
Of course, in this age of remakes, reboots, and endless sequels, the question on everyone’s minds is whetherThe Grand Finalewill truly be a “grand finale,” or if Fellowes has more up his sleeve. In an interview withDeadline’s Baz Bamigboye,Downtonstar Elizabeth McGovern, who plays demure yet fiery American Cora Crawley, was asked whether this truly would be our last rendezvous at the Downton estate.
The actress confirmed thatThe Grand Finaleis meant to be the finalDownton Abbeystory – for this generation of characters, at least. Teasingly, and with a"radiant smile,“McGovern said:
“It is, definitely. I can tell you that… unless they do something like they go back in time and it’s a different cast. You know, the young Maggie [Smith]. There’s been quite a lot of that sort of talk. Can’t wait to sit back and kick my heels up and see it.”
What McGovern’s Comments Mean For Downton Abbey’s Future
McGovern Isn’t The Only One Who’s Teased A Downton Return
As we all know, generations of Crawleys have tended to Downton Abbey’s legacy. There’s genuine potential for the franchise to expand into the 19th century, giving us a glimpse of Downton’s rich history and a young Violet Crawley, the late Dame Maggie Smith’s beloved character, before Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville), the 7th Earl of Grantham, took over the running of the estate.
TheDownton Abbeysaga begins at the beginning of the 20th century, in 1912.
CreatorJulian Fellowes hasn’t definitively ruled out the possibility of a return to Downtonin the future, either. He has insinuated that anyDownton Abbey"revival" wouldn’t include the original cast, however. Could he have been referring to the same young Violet Crawley idea as McGovern? It’s certainly possible.
Our Take On A Downton Abbey Prequel Story
Violet Crawley Is One Of The Show’s Most Interesting Characters
Dame Maggie Smith’s Violet Crawley is certainly one of the show’s most beloved characters; a big part ofThe Grand Finalewill be seeing how the rest of the Crawley family and their household staff deal with the loss of the beloved matriarch. If there’s any character who deserves and could carry aDownton Abbeyprequel, it’s Violet.
The biggest obstacle for a show (or movie) like that to overcome would be the cast. Dame Maggie Smith’s legacy is inextricably intertwined with the character. It’ll be tough to find someone to take her place, even if they’ll be playing a much younger version of Violet. Comparison is inevitable. Perhaps it all depends on howDownton Abbey: The Grand Finaleends.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finalewill arrive in theaters on September 12.
