Third ‘Downton Abbey’ Movie Will Give Maggie Smith a “Meaningful” Tribute, Executive Producer Promises

The upcoming Downton Abbey movie, set to release in theaters on September 12, 2025, will include a heartfelt tribute to the late Dame Maggie Smith. Known for her iconic role as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, Smith passed away on September 27, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional performances that spanned decades.

Executive producer Gareth Neame shared in a recent interview that the third installment of the Downton Abbey series was always meant to honor Violet Crawley, whose character died in 2022’s Downton Abbey: A New Era. However, with Smith’s own passing, the tribute has taken on deeper meaning.

“The loss of the Dowager now feels far more significant,” Neame said. “You’ll see the actors mourning the family matriarch on screen, but it also reflects their real emotions as they grieve the matriarch of the show.”

Neame described Smith as irreplaceable, calling her death “the end of an era.” He added, “We will never see the like of Dame Maggie Smith ever again.” He also emphasized that the respect and admiration the cast and crew had for Smith will be evident in the new film.

Smith’s career was nothing short of legendary. She received three Primetime Emmy Awards for her portrayal of the sharp-tongued and beloved Dowager Countess, along with an Oscar for her performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and another for California Suite.

Her remarkable talent also earned her Oscar nominations for roles in Travels With My Aunt, A Room With a View, and Gosford Park, the latter of which was penned by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes.

The new film, written by Fellowes and directed by Simon Curtis, finished production earlier this year. It features returning stars Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Jim Carter, and others who were deeply affected by Smith’s passing.

The cast collectively paid tribute to her, remembering her as a singular talent and a beloved figure both on and off screen.

As audiences prepare to say goodbye to Violet Crawley and reflect on Maggie Smith’s incredible contributions, this upcoming Downton Abbey film promises to be both a poignant farewell and a celebration of her extraordinary life and career.

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