Downton Abbey Star Matthew Goode Confirms Absence from Third Film
Fans of the hit series Downton Abbey will be disappointed to learn that Matthew Goode, who played the role of Henry Talbot, will not be reprising his role in the third film. According to the actor, his absence is due to scheduling conflicts and a recent knee operation. In an interview with GB News, Goode confirmed that he won’t be returning for the upcoming instalment, stating "I was unavailable for the second because I was doing The Offer. Then [for the third] I was shooting this [Department Q]. But I also buggered my knee, and I had to have an operation. That takes weeks to get over, so I was never going to be able to do it."
Goode, who appeared in seasons 5 and 6 of the hit series and the first film, was notably absent from the second movie, and now, the third. In a Radio Times interview, he also acknowledged his character was "edging towards becoming a bit of a wet lettuce," adding, "so maybe it’s a good thing." GB News reported that Goode has been busy filming his new Netflix crime series, Department Q.
The highly anticipated third Downton Abbey film will welcome back many familiar faces to the beloved Yorkshire estate. Returning cast members include Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary Crawley), Hugh Bonneville (Lord Grantham), Jim Carter (Mr Carson), Phyllis Logan (Mrs Hughes), Elizabeth McGovern (Lady Grantham), Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith Crawley), Joanne Froggatt (Anna Bates), Robert James-Collier (Thomas Barrow), and Allen Leech (Tom Branson). Others making an appearance are: Lesley Nicol (Mrs Patmore), Penelope Wilton (Lady Isobel Merton), Brendan Coyle (John Bates), Michael Fox (Andrew Parker), Kevin Doyle (Mr Molesley), Raquel Cassidy (Mrs Baxter), Harry Hadden-Paton (Lord Pelham), Sophie McShera (Daisy Mason), Douglas Reith (Lord Merton), and Dominic West (Guy Dexter).
The upcoming film will also include a "meaningful" tribute to the late Dame Maggie Smith, whose character, the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, passed away in the last film. GB News reported that Paul Giamatti will reprise his role as Cora Crawley’s brother, Harold Levinson, a character who last appeared briefly in season four. Reflecting on the new chapter, Michelle Dockery described the film as "a real tribute to Maggie Smith," following the legendary actress’s passing in 2024.
Executive producer Gareth Neame added: "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. 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." GB News confirmed that Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is set to premiere on September 12, 2025.
As reported by GB News, the third Downton Abbey film promises to be an emotional and fitting tribute to the late Dame Maggie Smith and the beloved series. Fans will have to wait until next year to see the highly anticipated film, which is sure to be a blockbuster hit. The film’s release date was confirmed by GB News and other reliable sources.
The third film’s cast and crew are sure to bring the same level of quality and attention to detail that fans of the series have come to expect. With its talented cast, engaging storyline, and nostalgic value, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is shaping up to be a must-see event for fans of the series and newcomers alike. According to GB News, the film’s production team is working hard to ensure that the film meets the high standards set by the original series.
