Downton Abbey 3 confirmed by star Imelda Staunton
Imelda Staunton has confirmed that a third Downton Abbey film is in the works, saying it would be the final entry.
The Crawley family and co were last seen on screen in 2022’s Downton Abbey: A New Era, with rumours of a third film being rife ever since.
Despite not officially being confirmed by either production company Carnival Films or creator Julian Fellowes, Staunton let slip on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Zoe Ball that a third film is being planned.
Related: Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery's new movie confirms UK release
“There will be the final film – there you go,” said the actor, who plays Lady Bagshaw in the franchise.
Staunton was then asked if she would get into any trouble for the bit of information, but she was nonplussed as she remarked: “I don’t care.”
Her remark comes amid rumours that Downton Abbey would return to the small screen with a seventh series, so it remains unclear whether we will get a new series, a new film, both or neither.
Fellowes had previously addressed the future of the franchise in an interview last year, remarking that he wasn’t ready to fully say goodbye despite attempting to write a conclusive ending several times previously.
“I have said goodbye to Downton so many times, and I have written the last scene about six or seven times,” he explained last year on TalkRadio. “Now, I've got out of the habit of making permanent statements about whether it's gone.
Related: Hugh Bonneville recalls "life-threatening" moment filming new Noel Fielding show
“It just gives me a lot of pleasure that so many people enjoyed it, so to feel that you created a show that cheers people up and they had a good time with it, I love that.”
A third Downton Abbey film wasn’t the only project that Staunton teased in the interview, with the star confirming that she would reprise her role as Aunt Lucy for Paddington 3.
Downton Abbey: A New Era is now out to buy as a digital download.
You Might Also Like
