The Confirmed Cast Of Downton Abbey 3: Who’s Returning And The Major New Stars Joining 'The Grand Finale'

The highly anticipated third film in the beloved franchise, tentatively titled Downton Abbey 3 and also referred to as Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, is officially in production with a massive ensemble cast. As of December 2025, filming is well underway, confirming the return of nearly all your favorite faces from the Crawley family and their loyal staff, alongside a handful of exciting new additions who promise to shake up life at the great house. This new installment, penned by creator Julian Fellowes, is set to be the biggest and most emotional chapter yet, promising to give the saga a spectacular conclusion.

The announcement of the new film has generated immense excitement, especially with the confirmation of a release date and the full roster of actors. Fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the core family and the downstairs team will be back to continue their stories, with Lady Mary Crawley entering a "completely new chapter" of her life. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in September 2025, making the wait for this final chapter a little more bearable. The question on everyone's mind, however, is who exactly is coming back and who are the fresh faces joining the world of Downton Abbey?

The Returning Cast: The Crawley Family and Beloved Staff

The heart of Downton Abbey has always been its sprawling cast of characters, both upstairs and downstairs. The third film sees the return of almost the entire principal ensemble from the previous film, Downton Abbey: A New Era, ensuring continuity and the resolution of long-running storylines. The film is directed by Simon Curtis, who also helmed the second movie.

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Here is a detailed list of the confirmed returning actors and their iconic roles:

• Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham: The patriarch of the Crawley family.
• Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham: Robert's American wife.
• Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley: The eldest daughter, who now runs the estate.
• Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith Pelham, Marchioness of Hexham: Mary's sister.
• Allen Leech as Tom Branson: The former chauffeur, now a family member.
• Harry Hadden-Paton as Herbert "Bertie" Pelham: Edith's husband.
• Jim Carter as Charles Carson: The retired but ever-present butler.
• Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes/Elsie Carson: The housekeeper.
• Brendan Coyle as John Bates: Robert Crawley's valet.
• Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates: Lady Mary's maid.
• Lesley Nicol as Mrs. Patmore: The cook.
• Sophie McShera as Daisy Parker: The assistant cook.
• Kevin Doyle as Joseph Molesley: The former footman and school teacher.
• Raquel Cassidy as Phyllis Baxter: Cora's maid.
• Michael Fox as Andy Parker: Footman and Daisy's husband.
• Douglas Reith as Lord Merton: A family friend.
• Imelda Staunton as Maud, Lady Bagshaw: Queen Victoria's goddaughter and a relative of the Crawleys.
• Dominic West as Guy Dexter: The dashing silent film star from the previous movie.

Notably absent from the returning cast is the legendary Dame Maggie Smith, whose character, Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess, passed away in Downton Abbey: A New Era. Her absence marks a significant shift in the family dynamic, leaving a void that the remaining characters must navigate in the final film.

Major New Faces and A Surprise Return from the Series

To inject fresh energy and new dramatic possibilities into The Grand Finale, Julian Fellowes has introduced several high-profile actors to the ensemble. These new characters will undoubtedly interact with both the upstairs and downstairs residents, potentially bringing new conflicts or alliances to the estate.

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The confirmed new cast members are:

• Joely Richardson: Known for her roles in *Nip/Tuck* and *The Patriot*, Richardson is joining the cast in an undisclosed role.
• Alessandro Nivola: An American actor whose credits include *American Hustle* and *The Many Saints of Newark*. His character's details are also being kept under wraps.
• Simon Russell Beale: A celebrated British stage and screen actor, whose addition suggests a weighty, possibly aristocratic, new figure.
• Arty Froushan: Known for his work in *Carnival Row*, Froushan is another promising addition to the final chapter.

Perhaps the most exciting news for long-time fans is the return of a character from the original television series who has not yet appeared in the films.

• Paul Giamatti as Harold Levinson: The Emmy-winning actor is reprising his role as Harold Levinson, Cora Crawley’s wealthy, flamboyant American brother. Giamatti last appeared in the 2013 Christmas special of the series. His return suggests a significant storyline involving the American side of the family, likely bringing his unique, modern perspective to the traditional world of Downton.

The introduction of these new entities, especially the return of Harold Levinson, points toward a plot that might focus on the clash between the old British aristocracy and the new American wealth, a theme that has always been central to the show's narrative.

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Production Status and What to Expect from the Plot

The third film, which is a direct sequel to Downton Abbey: A New Era, was officially announced by Focus Features in May 2024. Production has been confirmed to be well and truly underway, with filming taking place in the summer of 2024, promising a polished and timely release.

The confirmed release date for Downton Abbey 3 in theaters is September 12, 2025. This date positions the film as a major cinematic event, allowing fans to experience the conclusion on the big screen.

A New Chapter for Lady Mary and the Estate

While specific plot details are scarce, the cast has offered a few intriguing hints. Michelle Dockery confirmed that her character, Lady Mary Crawley, is "entering a completely new chapter in her life" at the start of the third movie. Since she has taken over the management of the estate and has navigated both personal loss and the arrival of the modern world, this new chapter could involve a significant change in her role at Downton or a major personal decision.

Given the timeline of the previous film, which ended around 1928, the new movie will likely continue into the late 1920s or early 1930s. This period in history was one of rapid, dramatic change, including the onset of the Great Depression and the continued erosion of aristocratic power. The themes of adapting to modernity, maintaining tradition, and the enduring love between the family and their staff will undoubtedly be central to Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

The return of Dominic West's character, Guy Dexter, also suggests a continued exploration of the burgeoning film industry and the changes in popular culture. His presence could bring Hollywood glamour and further modernity to the Yorkshire countryside, contrasting sharply with the established traditions of the Grantham family.

Why 'Downton Abbey 3' is a Must-See Cinematic Event

The combination of a beloved, established cast and the introduction of fresh, high-caliber talent like Joely Richardson and Alessandro Nivola ensures that the final film will be a rich and engaging experience. The return of Paul Giamatti as Harold Levinson is a masterful stroke of fan service, providing a fun, familiar link to the series' history while offering a strong narrative counterpoint to the Crawleys' British sensibility.

With Julian Fellowes writing the screenplay and a firm September 2025 release date, the anticipation for this final installment is reaching a fever pitch. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is not just a movie; it is the culmination of a decades-long story, promising to deliver a satisfying, emotional, and visually stunning farewell to the world of the Crawley family and their unforgettable household.