'Downton Abbey 3' is officially in production – here's everything we know so far

Downton Abbey It ran for six seasons between 2010 and 2015 (although it had to stop at three), with Downton Abbey: The Motion Picture It was released in 2019. If the series ended in 1925, the first film takes place two years later, in 1927, and revolves around the Crawley family and their employees who foil an assassination plot against King George V. The second film, which premiered in 2022, had a supernatural twist, focusing on filming a “moving picture” in a monastery (with a stay in the south of France thrown in for good measure).

Now, Focus Features has confirmed that production on the third film is underway, with Paul Giamatti reprising the role of Harold Levinson, Cora's American brother who hates England, alongside Dominic West (who will be reprising his role from the third film). Downton Abbey: A New Age), Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Joan Froggatt, Penelope Wilton and others.

But what is striking is its absence from the ad the crownImelda Staunton, who appeared as lady-in-waiting Maud Bagshaw in both Downton Abbey: The Motion Picture a duck Downton Abbey: A New AgeShe is, of course, married to Jim Carter of Carson fame. In March, she told BBC Radio 2's Zoe Ball: Yes, “there will be a final film – there you go.” Ball then apologized, in terribly British fashion, if she had prompted Staunton to speak outside the NDA. Oscar nominee Violet Crawley's reaction? “I'm not interested.” Fans are sure to miss her – although they can at least catch her as suitor Dolly Levy in the first West End revival. Hello Dolly Since 1984 at the London Palladium this summer.

As for those who joined them Downton Abbey Franchise for the first time? Expect to see Julie Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale and Artie Vrochan. Meanwhile, the show's creator, Julian Fellowes, has written the third film, the second film's director, Simon Curtis, is returning to direct, and while plot details are still under wraps, a clip has been released showing the group preparing for a table read. The sweeping music alone is enough to give you goosebumps.