Downton Abbey 3 star confesses plans for franchise future 'There's been talk'

After six series and a film trilogy, Downton Abbey is finally set to conclude with its Grand Finale film this September.

And while the main storyline may be concluding, it seems unlikely the franchise will with it.

Speaking with Deadline, Elizabeth McGovern was asked if Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale really will live up to its title.

The Cora Crawley star replied: "It is, definitely. I can tell you that ... unless they do something like they go back in time and it's a different cast. You know, the young Maggie. There's been quite a lot of that sort of talk."

The late Dame Maggie Smith's Lady Violet Crawley kicked the bucket in the second film, Downton Abbey: A New Era. However, her Victorian youth has been referenced countless times throughout the series. So perhaps that A Gilded Age crossover may finally come to pass?

Beyond a Lady Violet prequel spin-off, give it 10 years and we bet anything Downton Abbey will be back with the original cast covering the Second World War era and Attlee government's sharp increase of death duties on large stately piles.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale hits UK cinemas on September 12, 2025.