The newly released trailer for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale has left fans reeling after it unveiled a major twist that has many feeling emotional.
The trailer confirms that Michelle Dockery’s character, Lady Mary, is now divorced, as her marriage to Henry Talbot (played by Matthew Goode) has come to an end.
Goode’s absence from the upcoming third and final Downton Abbey film had already been confirmed - and now, fans know why his character won't be returning.
In a dramatic moment from the trailer, Lady Mary is attending a ball when she is abruptly approached by a new character, played by Joely Richardson, who delivers the bombshell: "She's divorced!"
The revelation stuns the room, prompting shocked reactions from the attendees.
The rest of the trailer shows various characters grappling with the news, while also introducing new faces - including Alessandro Nivola and the return of Paul Giamatti as Harold Levinson, last seen in the 2013 Christmas special.
Matthew Goode, who previously starred in Downton Abbey’s fifth and sixth seasons as well as the first film, was absent from the second and will not return for the finale.
Speaking to Radio Times, Goode revealed that he would be unable to reprise the role due to scheduling conflicts and a recent knee operation.
He also candidly admitted his character may have run his course: “[Henry was] edging towards becoming a bit of a wet lettuce,” he said, “so maybe it’s a good thing.”
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In a dramatic moment from the trailer, Lady Mary is attending a ball when she is abruptly approached by a new characterFOCUS FEATURES
Though Matthew Goode appeared in Seasons 5 and 6 of the hit series and the first film, he was notably absent from the second movie, and now, the third
ITVFans were quick to react online, with many expressing heartbreak over Lady Mary’s storyline.
One wrote: “Oh my good heavens I am going to absolutely sob trying to make it through this movie.”
Another added: “If the trailer makes me this emotional, I mean it when I say bring the tissues.”
A third said: “You know it’s going to be a tearjerker when the trailer makes you cry.”
Some voiced disappointment over the character split, with one fan writing: “I was disappointed to learn that Lady Mary is now divorced. I always liked Henry Talbot and felt she deserved lasting, unconditional love," while another said: “I wanted to see Matthew Goode as well.”
The third and final Downton Abbey film promises a star-studded farewell
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Another viewer shared: “Why can’t the series continue? All new stories with Mary and how the changing times affect the family? Please. I’m not ready to say goodbye.”
However, not everyone was upset by the development. One user commented: “So glad Mary divorces her absent husband in this final episode. Hoping she ends up with a nicer guy who deserves her. Love these characters! Looks like a great finale!”
The third and final Downton Abbey film promises a star-studded farewell, with returning cast members including 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).
The film will also pay tribute to the late Dame Maggie Smith, whose character, the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, passed away in the previous instalment.
Reflecting on the final chapter, Dockery described it as: “A real tribute to Maggie Smith,” following the legendary actress’s passing in 2024.
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