Downton Abbey fans heartbroken as The Grand Finale trailer reveals missing favourite characters: ‘Won’t be the same!’
The teaser trailer for the highly anticipated third Downton Abbey film has just been released, promising the return of many beloved characters to the iconic Yorkshire estate.
Set in the 1930s, the film revisits some of British TV’s most iconic figures as their stories continue to unfold.
However, fans were quick to notice some familiar faces missing – and it’s safe to say they’re not happy.
Matthew Goode, who played Lady Mary Crawley’s race-car driving husband Henry Talbot, has confirmed he won’t be reprising his role due to scheduling conflicts and a recent knee operation.
While Goode appeared in seasons five and six of the series as well as the first Downton Abbey film, he was absent from the second movie – and now, the third.
Fans took to X to share their disappointment, with one writing: “Where is MATTHEW GOODE?? You should’ve paid the man whatever he asked! I miss his and Mary’s love story.”
Another added: “So no Matthew Goode again? Is Mary still married?” while a third penned: “Did we like lose all the husbands on the way?” (sic)
However, eagle-eyed viewers also noticed another key character seemingly missing from the trailer.
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Robert James-Collier, who plays Thomas Barrow, the often-controversial but ultimately beloved footman-turned-butler, was also nowhere to be seen.
Barrow, whose character arc explored the challenges of being gay in a time of social repression, struggled to find love throughout the series.
However, he finally found a romantic connection in the second film, ultimately moving to the US with actor Guy Dexter (Dominic West).
Given that it was previously confirmed Robert James-Collier would be returning for the third instalment, fans were surprised to find him missing from the trailer.
One person wrote on X: “WHERE IS THOMAS BARROW? IT’S PRIDE MONTH.”
Another wrote: “So excited, but if we only get like 5 minutes of screentime of Robert James-Collier, that will be who my tears are for,” while a third added: “Lack of Thomas in the promo is [sad face emoji].”
Viewers also mourned the absence of Dame Maggie Smith, whose character died in the previous film.
The legendary actress herself passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89, adding another layer of sadness for fans.
One heartbroken fan wrote: “It won’t be the same without Maggie Smith [sad face emoji],” while another added: “I can’t watch this without Maggie Smith.”
A third wrote: “Just saw something like a farewell portrait of Maggie Smith in the trailer for the Grand Finale of Downton Abbey, and I want to cry. It won’t be the same without her!”
However, the majority of the beloved cast will be returning for the film. Familiar faces include 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), among others.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is set to premiere on September 12, 2025.