Actor Paul Giamatti has opened up about returning to the world of Downton Abbey without the legendary Dame Maggie Smith, who passed away in September 2024. The upcoming "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale" marks the third and final installment in the beloved franchise's film series.
"It was not the same without her, but it felt very much like in her honor in some way," Giamatti told PEOPLE magazine. "She certainly still feels present through the whole thing. Not having her there is obviously a huge loss, but everybody was still acting in her spirit."
Smith portrayed the sharp-tongued Violet Crawley throughout the television series and first two films before her death. Giamatti, who is reprising his role as Harold Levinson, fondly remembered his previous experience working with Smith. "Working with her the first time around was one of the best things ever and I didn't even really get to do that much with her," he shared.
The 57-year-old actor makes an unexpected return to the franchise alongside newcomers Alessandro Nivola and Joely Richardson. Despite his character's brief appearance in a Christmas special years ago, Giamatti revealed his role has evolved significantly. "What's funny is my character has a very significant role. He does something very important in the movie," he teased.
"Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale" brings back many familiar faces, including Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Laura Carmichael, and Michelle Dockery. The film, directed by Simon Curtis and written by creator Julian Fellowes, arrives in theaters on September 12.