In a heartfelt reflection, one of the shining stars of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale shared her emotional journey regarding the impending conclusion of this beloved franchise. Launched in 2010, Downton Abbey quickly spun its narrative web around audiences, capturing hearts and minds alike. With six celebrated seasons, a multitude of Emmy and BAFTA awards, and two theatrical releases, the Saga of the Crawley family, alongside their loyal household staff, prepares to draw its curtains with the release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
Set against the backdrop of the 1930s, The Grand Finale follows the Crawleys as they navigate life and the iconic Downton estate in the absence of their witty matriarch, Violet Crawley, portrayed by the late Dame Maggie Smith. Though details about the film’s storyline remain a well-guarded secret, actress Joanne Froggatt, known for her role as head housemaid Anna Bates, recently revealed to ScreenRant‘s Grant Hermanns that the upcoming film provides a fitting conclusion for both the cast and dedicated fans. Discussing her emotional response after viewing the movie, Froggatt shared, “I cried my eyes out,†emphasizing the bittersweet nature of closing such a significant chapter.
“Yeah, I was really satisfied. I actually cried my eyes out when I saw The Grand Finale. [Laughs] I properly wept for about 10 minutes, because of lots of reasons. Obviously, it’s the end of these characters, but also for us, it’s the end of playing these characters, and it’s the end of this incredible experience we’ve all lived together for 15 years on and off.”
What We Can Expect From Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
It’s Time To Say Goodbye To This Compelling Family
While creator Julian Fellowes hasn’t entirely dismissed the possibility of revisiting Downton, he has indicated that The Grand Finale will likely be the swan song for the original ensemble cast. This film serves as an emotional farewell, honoring the legacy of Violet Crawley and Dame Maggie Smith, while bidding adieu to one of the most cherished ensemble casts of modern television. As the teaser trailer hints, the story may involve not just an emotional farewell but perhaps the realities of a turbulent economic era impacting even the wealthiest families in England.
In one poignant trailer moment, Hugh Bonneville’s Lord Grantham is seen touching the iconic façade of Downton, suggesting a final goodbye. Will the Crawley family be forced to abandon their cherished estate, paralleling the journey of their devoted fanbase?
Our Take On Downton Abbey’s Legacy
One Of The Most Impactful Period Dramas Ever Produced
Unlike its predecessor, Downton Abbey: A New Era, which offered viewers a lively glimpse into early 20th-century cinema, The Grand Finale promises a poignant yet heartfelt conclusion to a narrative that has captivated audiences for over a decade. Having invested fifteen years in the lives of these richly developed charactersâ€â€both upstairs and downstairs it’s a thrill to anticipate their personal resolutions and growth in this final chapter.
Downton Abbey essentially revived the allure of British period dramas with its meticulous attention to historical accuracy and complex storytelling, weaving societal shifts into the lives of its characters from both sides of the rigid British class system. Julian Fellowes has crafted an extraordinary narrative that resonates deeply with viewers, making saying farewell to the Crawley household all the more bittersweet.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is set to hit theaters on September 12, 2025.