+

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

Close
HomeQuizzoneWhatsappShare Flash Reads
 

Hugh Bonneville says 'Downton Abbey' might be over after 'A New Era' movie: 'That's a good way to finish'

Jun 30, 2022, 17:45 IST
Insider
"Downton Abbey: A New Era" characters Lord Grantham, Cora Crawley and Lady Edith.Ben Blackall/Focus Features
  • Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Downton Abbey: A New Era."
  • Hugh Bonneville told Insider the sequel was a "good way to finish."
Advertisement

Sad news, "Downton Abbey" fans: The end may be nigh for the Crawley family.

Actor Hugh Bonneville told Insider that "Downton Abbey: A New Era" might be the final chapter in the hit franchise, following six seasons as a TV series and two movies.

"A New Era" certainly signals the end of the long-running franchise with the death of beloved "Downton" matriarch, Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, played by Maggie Smith.

"It ends in a somber way in that you've got a death, but then you've got new life. You've got the birth of Tom and Lucy's baby. That's a glorious way to end," said Bonneville.

"A third movie? I don't know. I was thinking there was probably an energy for it, but I suspect things have moved on and that's a good way to finish."

Advertisement

Tom and Lucy get married in "Downton Abbey: A New Era."Ben Blackall/Focus Features

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter this week, Bonneville also said he felt that "Downton" had "run its course."

"I suspect, on a practical level, it's run its course now. I think that was a good time to quit," the actor said.

Bonneville added: "I'm never gonna second guess the future, but did think for a while, actually, yeah, why not, let's keep going. But I do think it could get a bit thin. I think the second film was such a joyous one and such a good note on which to end the story. And it does feel like it can end. There's still open doors in it, but I think it might be the right time to stop."

"Downton Abbey" stars Raquel Cassidy and Jim Carter.Insider

On the prospect of a third film, Mr. Carson actor Jim Carter told Insider at a recent press junket: "I don't know if it's even been talked about."

"I think it's probably a pragmatic decision on finances, on how much money this makes," Carter added, referring to "A New Era."

Advertisement

"Can you do a third film given the circumstances of the end of the second film?" Carter explained. "I know there's a lot of affection for the characters, but how you would put that out in front of people again, I don't know."

Raquel Cassidy, who plays lady's maid Phyllis Baxter, told Insider: "I certainly think Julian [Fellowes] could do it. It's the appetite, really. If the appetite is there in the wider world, and people pay to go and see it, then I know the appetite is there for us as a group to get together again and have another jolly — if we can do it well."

"Downton Abbey: A New Era" is available now on digital and Peacock, and will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on July 5.

Disclaimer: Universal Pictures provided Insider travel and accommodation for the "Downton Abbey: A New Era" press junket.

You are subscribed to notifications!
Looks like you've blocked notifications!
Next Article