One of the actresses from the series and films immediately hit home.
Although rumors have been circulating for a long time about a third film in the hit series Downton Abbey, the word has finally come out. Actress Imelda Staunton (Lady Maud Bagshaw) revealed in conversation with BBC Radio 2 that a new film is on the way. Hooray!
Third movie
“There will be a final film,” the actress announced. Speaking off, we get straight to the point! Yet the announcement is a bit ambiguous. We are of course super excited that our favorite costume drama is getting a third part, but it is also confirmation that there will really be no new film after this new film.
And although the big news has been a long time coming, it doesn’t come as a big surprise. In 2022 it became clear that Julian Fellowes, creator of the series and films, admitted that he was open to a new film. “If there is a high demand for it and everyone [de personages] want to see again, then I certainly wouldn’t say no. I have already accepted that when I die, Downton will be the main subject of any article about me. So I might as well enjoy this trip for as long as possible. I do not know yet. I think it depends on the audience,” the maker told Town & Country two years ago.
Follow-up
Producer Gareth Neame said after the release of the second film that the team would be happy to continue making the films as long as there is still a demand for more. “We can continue with these people as long as audiences want to continue seeing them and as long as they enjoy them,” he said at the time on an episode of Variety’s Strictly Business podcast.
Creator Julian Fellowes clearly agreed with his colleague, telling Radio Times: “You never know when more is wanted,” he said in 2022. “After each series, after the first film and now after the second, I I said a heartbreaking goodbye to these people every time… and then we are back here.”
“I made them all up, I’m their father, and I feel some sort of obligation to them, and I adore them,” he continued. “It sounds quite romantic to say that, but you really want to give a good evening to the people who have been loyal to us for so many years. People are talking about plays and further films, but I don’t think a sequel will become apparent until there is a strong demand for it. If that is what the people want, then I will not oppose it.” In any case, we are certainly looking forward to it!
Source: Nouveau, Vogue, Glamial archive | Image: Downton Abbey
