Maggie Smith’s Spirit Endures as Downton Abbey Prepares for Its Grand Finale

A Legendary Legacy

Dame Maggie Smith, a renowned English actress best known for her versatile roles in both film and theater, had a career spanning over six decades and was recognized as one of Britain’s most distinguished actresses.

The acclaimed actress passed away at age 89, as announced by her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, who stated that ‘she leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.’

The Final Chapter

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale will be the third and final installment of the franchise, marking the first time fans will enter the world of Downton Abbey without Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, played by the late Dame Maggie Smith.

While Smith will not return to reprise her beloved role, the trailer offered insight into how the movie will handle her passing, featuring a portrait of the late Dowager Countess hung in the abbey’s entrance hall.

A New Era Begins

The official synopsis reveals that the film follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s. As the beloved cast of characters navigates how to lead Downton Abbey into the future, they must embrace change and welcome a new chapter.

This final installment represents the end of the beloved tale of the Crawley family, which evolved from a TV drama series to major motion pictures. Writer-producer Julian Fellowes has created such memorable characters that saying goodbye is challenging, but this finale promises to give each member of the massive ensemble cast their moment in the sunset.

Release and Expectations

Before the film’s release, fans can look forward to ‘Downton Abbey Celebrates The Grand Finale,’ airing on NBC Wednesday, September 10th at 9 PM ET/PT, featuring a one-hour reunion filmed at London’s legendary Savoy Hotel where the entire cast will share personal memories and never-before-told secrets from the franchise’s 15-year journey.

The third and final Downton Abbey movie premieres in theatres worldwide on September 12, 2025. Set in the 1930s, the story promises to thrust Lady Mary into a public scandal involving her divorce, while the Crawley family faces financial ruin and social disgrace.