Downton Abbey 3 release date revealed after star teased movie sequel is ‘best yet’

DOWNTON Abbey 3 finally has a release date.

The eagerly-awaited third movie in the franchise will be coming to cinemas next year - and it will share a simultaneous global release

Tonight, it was announced that the sequel will be released worldwide on September 12, 2025.

That's fifteen months away, but the movie is currently in production in London.

Once again, Downton creator Julian Fellowes has penned the latest flick.

Simon Curtis who shot the last movie will direct.

The movies are a spin off of the popular TV series, which ran on ITV for six series from 2010-2015.

The series became a huge hit around the world and made international stars of the likes of Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt and Laura Carmichael.

It spawned its first movie spin-off, Downton Abbey, in 2019, while the sequel, Downton Abbey: A New Era, followed in 2022.

Hugh Bonneville, who plays Earl Robert Crawley in the historical drama, has already teased the third outing will be the "best yet."

Speaking to , he said there are "new elements" that will interest hardcore fans.

He added: "For my character, I think the usual [can be expected], which is that he's a sort of dinosaur trying to be led into the future reluctantly, and then eventually he stumbles forward a bit.

"So, as always, there's that rhythm of things changing with glacial slowness, and Robert finally accepting that things [are changing] -- it's time to move the story on, so to speak.

"It's got the usual tropes, if you like, of thrills and spills in a very Downtown way - which means spilling a tea cup, pretty much!

"I think it'll certainly be the best iteration of the film versions yet."

The plot for the third film is firmly under wraps, but the cast includes Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter and Phyllis Logan.

Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Penelope Wilton, Lesley Nicol, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Sophie McShera and Douglas Reith are also returning.

Dominic West will reprise his role as Guy Dexter from A New Era, while Paul Giamatti will once again play Cora's brother Harold.

There will also be some new additions to the cast, including Joely Richardson in a secret role.

Yesterday it was revealed that former Corrie star Joanne is pregnant after she showed off her bump at the Into Film Awards on the red carpet.

While she will return for the third film, it is unknown if her pregnancy will be written into the plot.