Paul Giamatti Says the Late Maggie Smith Nonetheless Feels Current in ‘Downton Abbey 3’

Downton Abbey will shut out the beloved upstairs-downstairs franchise with a 3rd film, aptly titled Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, when it releases in theaters on Sept. 12.

Along with a lot of the principle solid — together with Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Laura Carmichael and Michelle Dockery, amongst others — two-time Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti makes an sudden however welcomed return as Harold Levinson, a personality that first appeared the season 4 Christmas particular (“The London Season”).

Giamatti’s addition to the solid alongside different franchise newcomers Alessandro Nivola and Joely Richardson sadly coincides with the departure of Dame Maggie Smith, who performed Violet Crawley within the collection and first two films earlier than dying in September 2024.

Whereas talking to PEOPLE about becoming a member of Black Mirror season 7, which premieres on Netflix April 10, Giamatti’, 57, opened up about reprising his position — particularly within the wake of Smith’s dying. 

“It was not the identical with out her, but it surely felt very very similar to in her honor in a roundabout way. She actually nonetheless feels current by means of the entire thing,” Giamatti says. “Not having her there’s clearly an enormous loss, however everyone was nonetheless appearing in her spirit.”

He provides, “Working along with her the primary time round was probably the greatest issues ever and I did not even actually get to do this a lot along with her.” 

Harold, as followers might keep in mind, is the brother of Cora Crawley (McGovern) and Martha Levinson (Shirley MacLaine). In the course of the Christmas particular, Cora’s siblings go to Downton, the place the Crawley household is internet hosting Rose’s (Lily James) popping out ball. 

Whereas very a lot not a fan of England, Harold does ultimately develop shut with one in all Rose’s associates, Madeleine Allsopp (Poppy Drayton), who decides to pursue him after studying that he’s very wealthy. Regardless of understanding that ladies solely speak to him in hopes of getting one thing out of it, Harold and Madeleine resolve to remain in contact after he returns to America. 

Provided that one-episode look, the character’s return is a curious one. And was a shock even to Giamatti. “The attention-grabbing factor for me was that they even requested me in any respect as a result of I used to be like, ‘I haven’t got an necessary character on this story,’ ” he recollects. 

The actor then teases, “However what’s humorous is my character has a really important position. He does one thing very important within the film. I used to be like, ‘It is actually humorous they introduced me again to do that essential, important factor.’ ” 

Nonetheless, the time again on the planet of Downton Abbey was value it. “Whenever you stroll right into a factor the place the tradition is so set, they know what they’re doing, everyone’s completely satisfied doing it, everyone’s on board with doing it, it is very nice,” he says. 

“These folks have been superior and I used to be wanting ahead to going again there as a result of I had such a enjoyable time the primary time round,” Giamatti continues, including, “It was beautiful.” 

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale was written by franchise creator Julian Fellowes, who additionally served as a producer alongside Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge, whereas Simon Curtis returned to direct after helming 2022’s Downton Abbey: A New Period.

The remainder of the solid contains returning stars Phyllis Logan, Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Penelope Wilton, Lesley Nicol, Michael Fox, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Sophie McShera and Douglas Reith.

Moreover, Dominic West reprises his position as Man Dexter from a New Period, whereas Simon Russell Beale and Arty Froushan additionally be part of the ensemble in new roles.