April 3, 2025: At CinemaCon, Focus Features presented an emotional first look at the highly anticipated Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the final chapter in the trilogy of big-screen continuations of the beloved British drama series. Fans were treated to a glimpse into the lives of the Grantham family and their devoted servants as they say their goodbyes to an era that has captured hearts around the world.
Written by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and directed by Simon Curtis, the trailer opens with the title card, “It’s time to say goodbye.” It then shows a touching moment where Hugh Bonneville’s character, the Earl of Grantham, tenderly pats the facade of the grand manor house, signaling the end of an unforgettable journey.
As the trailer unfolds, viewers are shown the family enjoying a day at the races, a glimpse of Dominic West’s Guy Dexter in London’s West End, and Michelle Dockery’s Lady Mary making a grand entrance in a striking red gown. These moments are filled with the elegance and nostalgia that fans of the show have come to love.
One of the most poignant moments in the trailer is a tribute to the late Maggie Smith, whose portrayal of the Dowager Countess of Grantham has become iconic. The loss of the character and Smith’s passing in September 2024 has made this final installment even more significant for both the cast and viewers.
The movie promises to honor the “end of an era” as the Grantham family and their household face their future without the matriarch, the Dowager Countess. In addition to the returning cast members such as Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, and Jim Carter, newcomers Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale, and Arty Froushan will also be featured in key roles.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is set to be released domestically on September 12, 2025. It is a final farewell to one of the most beloved families in television history, capturing the hearts of fans who have followed the series from the very beginning. The final film promises to encapsulate the themes of family, legacy, and the changing tides of time, providing a fitting conclusion to the iconic saga.