Downton Abbey fans have been left in tears following the release of the trailer for the third and final film in the beloved franchise.
The emotional response centres on a touching tribute to the late Dame Maggie Smith, who is honoured through a painted portrait of her iconic character Lady Violet Crawley.
The trailer for"Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale offers viewers a glimpse of the matriarch's portrait, serving as a poignant memorial to Smith, who passed away aged 89 last September.
Fans have described breaking down whilst watching the first look at the concluding chapter of the 15-year saga that began on ITV in 2010.
The sweet nod to Smith through the painting has particularly moved devotees of the Yorkshire estate drama.
The film is set for release in cinemas on September 12, marking the conclusion of a franchise that has spanned six television seasons, Christmas specials, and two previous films since its debut in 2010.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is set in the 1930s and follows the Crawley family and their staff as they navigate caring for the Yorkshire county estate amid impending changes.
Beloved stars return to reprise their roles, including Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Penelope Wilton, Lesley Nicol, Michael Fox, and Raquel Cassidy.
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The sweet nod to Smith through the painting has particularly moved devotees of the Yorkshire estate drama
UNIVERSAL PICTURES
The final instalment also introduces new cast members Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, and Simon Russell Beale to the Downton universe.
Fans have taken to social media to express their overwhelming emotional response to the trailer.
One person wrote on Instagram: “This made me weep, ohh Maggie Smith how missed you will be..”
Another added on X: “Granny’s painting hanging on the wall inside, Robert’s kiss to its stone wall outside… Uhhh! I’m not okay. And, I’m so ready to watch this.”
A third wrote: “I’m sure Maggie Smith will be watching from above, " while a fourth chimed in: "I'm going to cry like a dog remembering Violet, but especially Maggie Smith herself.”
A fifth person even called for a spin-off to bring back Smith’s iconic character, writing: “We need now a prequel to young Violet in the late 1860's." (sic)
Beloved stars return to reprise their roles, including Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery and Laura Carmichael,
UNIVERSAL PICTURESThe emotional outpouring reflects both the impact of Smith's tribute and the finality of bidding farewell to the cherished Crawley family saga.
The third and final film in the Downton franchise is written by Downton creator and Academy Award winner Julian Fellowes.
Bafta and Emmy Award nominee Simon Curtis returns to direct after helming 2022's Downton Abbey: A New Era.
The official Downton Abbey account on X introduced the new trailer, stating: "The place we'll always remember. The family we'll never forget. Everything has led to this. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is only in theaters September 12. Watch the teaser trailer now."
Universal Pictures released the trailer, which has generated significant anticipation for what promises to be an emotional conclusion to the saga that has captivated audiences for over a decade.
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