Mumbai, Dec 27: The upcoming third installment of Downton Abbey will pay homage to the late Dame Maggie Smith, who passed away at 89 on September 27, shortly after filming concluded.
Executive producer Gareth Neame revealed that the tribute feels even more poignant now, as Smith’s iconic character, Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, also died in the second film, Downton Abbey: A New Era. “The loss of the dowager feels deeply significant,” Neame said in an interview. “It’s not just characters mourning a family matriarch—it’s the cast mourning the matriarch of our show. It’s genuine and meaningful.”
While the plot of Downton Abbey 3 remains under wraps, the story is expected to explore how the family copes with Violet’s passing. The second movie, released in May 2022, depicted her emotional farewell, surrounded by her loved ones.
Fans can anticipate a heartfelt continuation of the Crawley family’s journey, with a fitting tribute to the legendary actress and her unforgettable role.
