The contributions to the Showbizz by Dame Maggie Smith spanned over sixty years, with many awards, including two Academy Awards, to her credit. One of Maggie Smith's iconic roles is the Dowager Countess, this role has left a mark both on the franchise and the audiences.
In the 2022 film Downton Abbey: A New Era, Violet Crawley's character passed away peacefully. Dame Maggie Smith herself passed away on September 27, 2024, at the age of 89. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced that she passed away peacefully in hospital, though the exact cause of death was not disclosed.
To honor her legacy, the creators of Downton Abbey have announced that the upcoming third film, scheduled for release on September 12, 2025, will include a tribute to Dame Maggie Smith and her iconic character. Hugh Bonneville, who plays Robert Crawley, mentioned that the film will serve as a "great lasting tribute" to her.
Downton Abbey is a British historical drama TV series, first broadcast in the UK on ITV and in the US on PBS from 2010 to 2015. The series is set in the early 20th century and follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic servants.
It portrays their narratives simultaneously with historical events. As the Dowager Countess of Grantham, Violet Crawley was portrayed by Dame Maggie Smith, a character both sharp in wit and deep in wisdom. Her portrayal earned her three Primetime Emmy Awards, and the character was one of the show's most prominent.
Downton Abbey executive producer Gareth Neame spoke about the deceased Maggie Smith with TVLine during the promotions of Peacock’s The Day of the Jackal on December 24, 2024,
“The fact that Dame Maggie herself has now passed away since that time, I do think, has given a real added poignancy to a story that we would have planned anyway,”
Neame referred to her death as the end of an era, he also added,
“The loss of the Dowager, it now feels far more significant that you see actors playing characters mourning the family matriarch. But I also see actors mourning the matriarch of the show, and it feels more genuine and more meaningful.”
The movie will explore what goes on emotionally with the characters after Violet Crawley is gone, particularly for Robert Crawley, who may find himself reflecting on her values as he deals with the loss of his mother. Violet's absence could lead to a storyline about how the characters cope without her guidance and wisdom. The film may also explore the legacy she leaves behind.
This last movie aspires to give an emotional and fitting goodbye, not only to Violet Crawley but to the entire ensemble in a way that will leave fans with lasting memories of the series and Maggie Smith. It will include a homage to the matriarchy of the family, both in a narrative and meta sense, reflecting the on-screen death of Violet Crawley and the off-screen passing of Maggie Smith.
Speaking with Virgin Radio UK recently, Hugh Bonneville, who portrays Robert Crawley, spilled a few beans regarding the upcoming Downton Abbey 3 and just how the show will be paying respect to the late Dame Smith. According to him, this is sort of the final goodbye to the dearly beloved series.
The final chapter will give closure to the fans, bringing some resolution to the characters' journeys. Coming next September, Downton Abbey 3 will be an emotional goodbye to the memory of Smith. Though Violet Crawley will not appear in the film, the character is expected to have a major presence throughout the script, guiding the tale as the characters navigate without her.
Stay tuned for more updates.