History of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale in Timeline

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (2025), directed by Simon Curtis and written by Julian Fellowes, serves as the concluding film in the Downton Abbey franchise. As a direct sequel to Downton Abbey: A New Era, the film sees the return of the original cast. Paul Giamatti reprises his role as Harold Levinson (from the TV series), and Dominic West returns as Guy Dexter (from the prior film). New cast members include Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale, and Arty Froushan.

1929: Harold Levinson Arrives at Downton Abbey

In 1929, Robert and Cora returned to Downton Abbey, while Mary stayed at Grantham House to greet Cora's brother, Harold Levinson, who was visiting from America after their mother Martha's death. Harold brought financial advisor Gus Sambrook, who had previously saved Harold from financial ruin prior to the 1929 Wall Street Crash. After becoming mutually attracted, Sambrook and Mary sleep together. Harold then reveals that he squandered their mother's fortune on poor investments and wants to invest Downton's remaining assets to recoup his losses.

1930: The Crawleys Attend a Play in London

In 1930, the Crawleys, excluding Mary, went to a play in London starring Guy Dexter and Noël Coward. Backstage, they encountered Dexter, Coward, and Thomas Barrow, now Dexter's assistant and partner. The next day, news of Mary and Henry Talbot's divorce led to Mary being asked to leave Lady Petersfield's ball due to the expected royal attendance.

2022: Release of Downton Abbey: A New Era

In 2022, Downton Abbey: A New Era, the second film in the Downton Abbey franchise, was released.

March 2024: Imelda Staunton announces third Downton Abbey film

In March 2024, Imelda Staunton announced plans for a third and final Downton Abbey film with the main cast set to return. Filming commenced in May and wrapped up in August, with a budget of $50 million.

May 2024: Principal photography began

In May 2024, principal photography for the film began, and it wrapped in August.

March 2025: Official title announced

In March 2025, the official title for the third Downton Abbey film was announced as Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

March 2025: Title of Film Revealed

On 27 March 2025, the title for the third Downton Abbey film was revealed as Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. John Lunn returned to score the music.

September 2025: Release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale

In September 2025, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale was released by Focus Features. The film garnered positive reviews and achieved a worldwide gross of $100 million.

September 2025: Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale Premiere and Promotion

In September 2025, specifically on the 8th, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale premiered in London and New York City. On September 10, 2025, NBC aired Downton Abbey Celebrates the Grand Finale, a television special filmed at London's Savoy Hotel, to promote the film. The film was released in Italy and Australia on September 11, 2025, and generally to all remaining cinemas on September 12, 2025. The film was released in Norway on September 19, 2025.

2025: Release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale

In 2025, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, directed by Simon Curtis with a screenplay by Julian Fellowes, continues the Downton Abbey franchise as the third and final film. It features returning cast members from previous installments as well as new additions like Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale and Arty Froushan.