Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale star Elizabeth McGovern has teased a way in which Julian Fellowes’ ever-popular period drama franchise could continue. For 15 years, Downton Abbey has delighted, awed, and surprised us all, leaving behind a few broken hearts and plenty of love in its wake. Now, it seems the story of the Crawley family is finally coming to an end – or is it?

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is slated to be the third and final movie in the Downton Abbey franchise, as the Crawley family is thrust into the political and financial turmoil of the 1930s. It might not just be the audience saying goodbye to Downton, however; the Crawleys might just be forced to say a final farewell to the estate they’ve called home for generations, too.

Of course, in this age of remakes, reboots, and endless sequels, the question on everyone’s minds is whether The Grand Finale will truly be a “grand finale,” or if Fellowes has more up his sleeve. In an interview with ᴅᴇᴀᴅline‘s Baz Bamigboye, Downton star Elizabeth McGovern, who plays demure yet fiery American Cora Crawley, was asked whether this truly would be our last rendezvous at the Downton estate.

The actress confirmed that The Grand Finale is meant to be the final Downton Abbey story – for this generation of characters, at least. Teasingly, and with a “radiant smile,” McGovern said:

“It is, definitely. I can tell you that… unless they do something like they go back in time and it’s a different cast. You know, the young Maggie [Smith]. There’s been quite a lot of that sort of talk. Can’t wait to sit back and kick my heels up and see it.”

What McGovern’s Comments Mean For Downton Abbey’s Future

McGovern Isn’t The Only One Who’s Teased A Downton Return

As we all know, generations of Crawleys have tended to Downton Abbey’s legacy. There’s genuine potential for the franchise to expand into the 19th century, giving us a glimpse of Downton’s rich history and a young Violet Crawley, the late Dame Maggie Smith’s beloved character, before Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville), the 7th Earl of Grantham, took over the running of the estate.

Creator Julian Fellowes hasn’t definitively ruled out the possibility of a return to Downton in the future, either. He has insinuated that any Downton Abbey “revival” wouldn’t include the original cast, however. Could he have been referring to the same young Violet Crawley idea as McGovern? It’s certainly possible.

Our Take On A Downton Abbey Prequel Story

Violet Crawley Is One Of The Show’s Most Interesting Characters

Dame Maggie Smith’s Violet Crawley is certainly one of the show’s most beloved characters; a big part of The Grand Finale will be seeing how the rest of the Crawley family and their household staff deal with the loss of the beloved matriarch. If there’s any character who deserves and could carry a Downton Abbey prequel, it’s Violet.

The biggest obstacle for a show (or movie) like that to overcome would be the cast. Dame Maggie Smith’s legacy is inextricably intertwined with the character. It’ll be tough to find someone to take her place, even if they’ll be playing a much younger version of Violet. Comparison is inevitable. Perhaps it all depends on how Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale ends.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale will arrive in theaters on September 12.

Source: ᴅᴇᴀᴅline