The third Downton Abbey movie will pay a heartfelt tribute to Maggie Smith, despite her character Violet Crawley passing away in Downton Abbey: A New Era. According to executive producer Gareth Neame, Smith’s death has given a new depth to the story, amplifying the emotional weight as characters mourn the matriarch, both on-screen and off.
Neame reflected that the loss of the character and the actress feels even more significant now. As the cast and crew mourn not only Violet but also Maggie Smith, the sense of loss is more genuine, making the tribute even more meaningful. Smith’s passing, shortly after the filming of Downton Abbey 3, adds poignancy to the upcoming film.
Maggie Smith, who died at the age of 89 on September 27, had a long and celebrated career. She portrayed Violet Crawley for all six seasons of Downton Abbey (2010-2015) and in the franchise’s two films. Smith’s portrayal of the sharp-tongued matriarch earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Emmys and a Golden Globe.
Smith’s death marked “the end of an era,” as Neame noted. He emphasized the immense respect the cast and crew had for Smith, something that will be reflected in the third film. Her character, Violet, was one of the cornerstones of the series, and her absence will be deeply felt in the upcoming movie.
Throughout her distinguished career, Maggie Smith won four Emmys, two Oscars, three Golden Globes, and a Tony Award. In addition to Violet, she played iconic roles, such as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and Mother Superior in Sister Act. These roles helped cement her status as one of the most respected actresses of her generation.
Her death was confirmed by her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, who shared a statement with the BBC on September 27. They described her passing as peaceful, with her being surrounded by loved ones. The family expressed their gratitude to the hospital staff for their care during her final days.
In the wake of Smith’s passing, Downton Abbey co-star Hugh Bonneville shared that the upcoming third movie will serve as a tribute to her, marking a “wonderful closing of all the stories.” Bonneville, who plays Robert Crawley, noted that the film would focus on saying goodbye to the beloved characters, with Smith’s absence being particularly poignant both on-screen and in real life. Fans can expect the final movie to honor her legacy in a meaningful way.
