A Bittersweet Goodbye After 15 Iconic Years

Recently, stars Hugh Bonneville and Michelle Dockery gathered with fellow cast members to watch the heartwarming conclusion of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.” While the film was shot last summer, it was at this viewing that Bonneville and Dockery truly grasped the magnitude of closing a chapter after 15 years.

"Michelle and I held hands tightly during the last moments of the movie," shares Bonneville, who has portrayed Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham. There’s a palpable fondness between them as they reminisce about their time together. "It definitely felt like the end," he added.

Dockery, who plays Lady Mary, chimed in, saying, "Every ending felt definitive, but this one truly signifies goodbye." Bonneville lightheartedly noted that while there are always whispers of future spinoffs, for them, this is certainly the conclusion.

The Final Chapter of a Beloved Saga

Since Downton Abbey’s series finale in 2015, creator Julian Fellowes has crafted three films, culminating in The Grand Finale, which is now gracing theaters. Although the films were not a certainty, Fellowes confirms that this is indeed the last time the original cast will appear together.

"It marks the end for the original ensemble," Fellowes stated. "While the universe of Downton may continue, it won’t include these beloved characters."

A Journey Through Time and Change

Set in 1930, The Grand Finale depicts the Crawley family amidst a transformative era in British society. Robert faces a painful transition as he hands the estate over to Mary, mirroring the show's beginning when he and Cora navigated their daughter's future. Having already begun this handoff in A New Era, Robert now grapples with his mortality, while Mary finds herself embroiled in a divorce scandal that jeopardizes her dignity.

Fellowes elaborates, "By placing Mary in a divorce situation she didn't choose, I pushed her into a modern world, which compelled her to reinvent herself."

From Rising Stars to Global Icons

Dockery and Bonneville first crossed paths in 2010 at the series’ initial read-through, with Dockery just stepping into the spotlight while Bonneville was an established actor. Both remember the electric energy surrounding the show, penned by Fellowes following his Oscar win for 2001’s Gosford Park.

"Landing that role was monumental," Dockery recalls. "The first season felt like we were onto something extraordinary." Bonneville adds, "At first, no one believed in us—costume dramas were considered dead. The initial ignorance surrounding the show's potential made it all the more enjoyable."

Little did they know, Downton Abbey would become a global sensation, snagging 69 Emmy nominations and 15 wins, plus three Screen Actors Guild ensemble awards.

A Legacy of Love and Loss

The cast's deep bond continues as they reminisce about Maggie Smith, whose character tragically passed in A New Era. Fellowes describes Smith’s presence as haunting during filming: "Her character's absence was strongly felt while we worked on this film."

Loss has always been woven into the tapestry of Downton Abbey, with fans still mourning beloved characters like Lady Sybil and Matthew. Fellowes emphasizes how the narrative encapsulates life's fleeting nature—an element carried through in The Grand Finale.

An Evolving Relationship

In this film, we see the father-daughter dynamic between Robert and Mary mature from their early days. A meaningful moment occurs when Mary brings Robert to a London apartment, forcing the Earl to confront what life looks like beyond the grand staircase.

"That scene symbolizes the shift in control and lifestyle," Bonneville reasons, chuckling at Robert's reaction. "Yet deep down, he’s proud of Mary for her adventurous spirit."

Forever Family

Over the years, the cast has formed tight-knit relationships, with McGovern playfully referring to Bonneville and director Curtis as her "husbands," and Dockery affectionately responding to texts from McGovern with "Mama." "Our bonds have strengthened over time," Dockery reflects. "Elizabeth took us under her wing, and that friendship has blossomed ever since."

A Tearful Yet Hopeful Farewell

The film's concluding moments are touching, evoking both nostalgia and hope. Although it signifies an end, there lies a promise of life continuing beyond Downton Abbey. "There’s a sense of continuation for these characters, which fans will appreciate," Dockery states, adding that while it's an ending, it also hints at flourishing new beginnings.