Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale may not be the end of the franchise says creator

The Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale has hit cinemas, leading many to wonder if this is the end for the franchise

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is hitting the big screen today (September 12), with fans flocking to cinemas over the weekend after its premieres in London and New York. Elizabeth McGovern, one of the stars, has shared her thoughts on the film, reports the Manchester Evening News.

This is the third instalment in the popular franchise, following Downton Abbey (2019) and Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022).

These cinematic adventures follow the incredibly successful ITV series that aired from 2010 to 2015.

The show achieved astronomical success, particularly in America, leading to a global fanbase that includes celebrities such as Hillary Clinton, former president George W. Bush, Hollywood icon Jamie Lee Curtis, and pop sensation Katy Perry.

It's even been referenced in popular shows like How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, The Simpsons, and Suits, among others.

With a title like The Grand Finale, many are wondering if this is truly the end for the Crawleys and why such a successful period drama franchise would come to a close.

Let's delve into what's been said about the conclusion of Downton Abbey.

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Why is Downton Abbey ending?

Downton Abbey: The Grande Finale marks a significant shift as Lord Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville) passes his estate to his now-divorced eldest daughter, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery).

While the first season began in 1912, the latest film is set in the 1930s, reflecting the gradual decline of the British aristocracy and changes in social structure.

The cast and crew have been revealing in recent interviews that the storyline and indeed the timeline mark an end for the franchise as fans know it.

Creator Julian Fellowes explained: "It's certainly the end of the original cast."

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He added to the Los Angeles Times: "It's been quite a long time together, but, yes, it is the end. Whether there are any more Downton rip-offs or connections or whatever, I couldn't tell you. There's nothing firm at the moment. But whatever comes back, it won't be with this original cast. We've come to a natural ending."

Fellowes' comments indicate that Downton in its present form has reached its conclusion and there's nowhere else for this storyline to venture.

Nevertheless, this doesn't mean there won't be any other versions of Downton Abbey further down the line.

In another interview, Fellowes expanded about the shifting times in the new film: "We invent things, we enjoy them for a time, and then they're over, or we do them differently, and that's what we're trying to say about Downton. It will go on, but not in the same way we saw it in 1912. That way of life has gone now, and something different will replace it."

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He continued to discuss the franchise's future: "Now, 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'm rather pleased about that."

This should provide some solace to Downton devotees not ready to bid farewell to the cherished period drama.

In addition to Downton Abbey, Fellowes is also the creative force behind the equally enthralling Belgravia on ITV, inspired by his novel of the same name, as well as HBO's The Gilded Age which recently concluded its third season.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is released in cinemas from today