Fans of the beloved period drama Downton Abbey have been given a glimmer of hope for the franchise's future, despite its recent cinematic farewell. Star Hugh Bonneville has hinted that new stories from the world of the Crawley family could still be on the horizon, though he has ruled out his own involvement.
Bonneville's Fond Farewell and Future Speculation
In a recent interview with Saga magazine, Bonneville, who played Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham, reflected on the end of an era. He confirmed that for the core cast, 'The Grand Finale' truly was a goodbye. The actor described taking poignant last looks around iconic sets like the library during filming to preserve the memories.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they make some sort of spin-off, but no, our company has left the building," Bonneville stated, distancing himself from any potential new projects. He expressed immense pride in the series, noting he still receives daily messages from fans about its impact.
Fan Demand and Creative Possibilities
The final film, which screened in 2025, concluded with an emotional scene of the family and staff dancing, ending on a portrait of the late Dame Maggie Smith's character, Violet Crawley. This poignant ending left viewers craving more, with many taking to social media to plead for additional content.
Fan suggestions have ranged widely, including:
- A sequel set around World War II focusing on George Crawley as an adult.
- A prequel exploring the earlier history of the estate.
However, reactions were mixed, with some hoping for better-written future instalments than the recent films.
The Door Remains Officially Ajar
Crucially, the key creative minds behind Downton Abbey have not shut down the possibility of a return. Show creator and writer Julian Fellowes told Entertainment Weekly that revisiting Downton is a possibility, but it would need to be in a different historical period to present fresh challenges for the characters.
"I've learned never to say never anymore, because you have to take it back," Fellowes remarked, adding, "On that basis, I don't see why not, but we'll have to see what happens."
Producer Gareth Neame also hinted that last year's finale may not be the absolute end, suggesting the camera may have pulled away for the last time on those characters, but not necessarily on the Downton Abbey universe as a whole.
The cherished drama, which debuted in 2010, ran for six series and spawned three films, featuring a stellar cast including Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, and Dame Maggie Smith. All episodes and films are currently available to stream on ITVX.
