{"id":129901,"date":"2025-09-11T12:39:13","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T12:39:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/129901\/"},"modified":"2025-09-11T12:39:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T12:39:13","slug":"downton-abbey-star-teases-spin-off-project-despite-finale-film","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/129901\/","title":{"rendered":"Downton Abbey star teases spin-off project despite ‘finale’ film"},"content":{"rendered":"

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is being released this week and despite the subtitle of the film, it’s already been teased that the story may not be over for fans just yet\"AllenDownton Abbey star Allen Leech has teased that a prequel could be released in the future(Image: Focus Features LLC\/ Rory Mulvey. All Rights Reserved)<\/p>\n

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale fans are expecting to bid farewell to characters from the beloved franchise when it’s released on Friday. The third film in the series, it follows on from Downton Abbey (2019) and A New Era (2022).<\/p>\n

Focusing on the Crawley family and their staff as they navigate how to lead Downton Abbey<\/a> into the future, the film sees the story enter the 1930s. It’s previously been teased that it will “close off” the stories that began on the ITV<\/a> show, which ran for six seasons from 2010 to 2015.<\/p>\n

Despite being billed as the “grand finale,” it’s been suggested that fans may not have to say goodbye just yet. There’s been hints about potential spin-offs already<\/a> and it’s now teased that a prequel series could be underway in the future.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Downton Abbey Mrs Patmore star Lesley Nicol admits cast divide as she gushes over one bond<\/a>READ MORE: Downton Abbey’s final film features unexpected cameos from relatives of iconic star<\/a>\"PenelopeIt’s been teased that a potential Downton Abbey spin-off could explore the backstory of Violet Crawley, played by the late Maggie Smith (right), pictured beside Penelope Wilton (left)(Image: PA Photo\/Focus Features, LLC\/Ben Blackall)<\/p>\n

Allen Leech<\/a>, known for his role as former chauffeur Tom Branson, has teased that the story may not be over despite the marketing of the film. He’s suggested that a future prequel could delve into the backstory of Violet Crawley, played by the late Dame Maggie Smith<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Violet, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, was a matriarchal figure in the franchise but was killed off in the second film, released three years ago. Cast member Maggie then herself died, aged 89, just last year.<\/p>\n

Allen, 44, said on Virgin Radio<\/a> this week that Violet’s history could be explored in a prequel project. He shared that it could be in the pipeline moving forward, following rumours last year of a spin-off about Violet’s younger years.<\/p>\n

Speaking on the Ryan Tubridy Show<\/a>, he said: “I was chatting to the director, yesterday, Simon [Curtis], over lunch and he was saying there is a great poignancy about this movie, not just for Downton fans but for anyone. It’s about letting go and it’s about moving on.”<\/p>\n

Asked about the potential for more stories, he said: “From what I hear, the plan is if they’re ever gonna do anything with it, they’re either gonna go back in time and [do a] prequel [about Violet] in her younger years, which would be very interesting.”<\/p>\n

\"AllenAllen Leech (left), pictured with Michelle Dockery (right), shared his thoughts on the prospect whilst promoting the new film Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, to be released on Friday(Image: \u00a9 2025 FOCUS FEATURES LLC)<\/p>\n

Allen added that a project set in the 1970s at the property could be on the cards instead. He said: “Or they’re gonna go seventies [and] all the debauched madness that happened in the house then. I think it’d be kind of interesting.”<\/p>\n

The upcoming film has previously been described as a “last tributing” to Maggie<\/a>. Speaking on the radio station last year, her on-screen son Hugh Bonneville<\/a>, 61, said about the latest film: “It’s very much set in the house and saying goodbye to all these characters and we obviously say goodbye to Dame Maggie, which was very poignant on screen and now in real life. She’ll be sorely missed. But the final film will obviously be a great lasting tribute to her.”<\/p>\n

Maggie had been among the cast when Downton Abbey first aired in the UK in 2010. It later proved popular in the US and its six seasons have been followed by the film continuations. As well as receiving critical acclaim, the show is said to have boosted tourism to villages<\/a> like Bampton in Oxfordshire and Highclere Castle in Hampshire.<\/p>\n

Speaking ahead of the third film’s release, creator Julian Fellowes<\/a>, 76, told the Writing Studio<\/a>: “It feels quite complete. I’m not saying we’ll never see Downton Abbey in any other form – one should never say never, but I think it feels natural and right that we have made the journey with the original concept and the original cast, so I\u2019m rather pleased about that.”<\/p>\n

\"JulianDownton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes has previously suggested that he wouldn’t rule out spin-offs in the future(Image: Getty Images)\"AThe new film is being released alongside the ITV special Downton Abbey Celebrates The Grand Finale later this week(Image: ITV)<\/p>\n

He has however suggested that several characters could be worthy of spin-offs<\/a>. Discussing the prospect of one centred on Thomas Barrow, played by Rob James-Collier<\/a>, Julian told RadioTimes<\/a>: “I think you could make a case for many of them.”<\/p>\n

Fans eager for more Downton Abbey don’t have long to wait as ITV will also be releasing a special about the franchise on the day of the film’s release. It’s teased that the doors to the iconic property will be “opening one last time” for Downton Abbey Celebrates The Grand Finale as the cast reunite to share memories and secrets from the last 15 years.<\/p>\n

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is released on Friday in the UK. Downton Abbey Celebrates The Grand Finale will be available on ITVX then too and the special will later air on ITV3 on Saturday at 9pm.<\/p>\n

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