Paul Giamatti Reveals ‘Significant’ Return in Downton Abbey Movie—and Remembers Maggie Smith
Paul Giamatti Remembers Maggie Smith While Returning for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
“It Wasn’t the Same Without Her,” Says Giamatti Ahead of Final Movie Release
Fans of Downton Abbey are gearing up for a bittersweet goodbye as Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale prepares for its September 2025 release. But for actor Paul Giamatti, the experience has already been deeply emotional—mainly due to the absence of one legendary co-star: Dame Maggie Smith.
Giamatti Returns as Harold Levinson, But Feels the Loss of Maggie Smith
Giamatti, who reprises his role as Harold Levinson, spoke candidly about returning to the world of Downton Abbey during an interview with People Magazine. While he’s excited to be part of the final chapter, the actor couldn’t help but reflect on the absence of Maggie Smith, who portrayed the beloved and sharp-tongued Violet Crawley.
“It was not the same without her,” he admitted. “But it felt very much like in her honor in some way. She certainly still feels present through the whole thing.”
Maggie Smith passed away in September 2024, leaving behind a legacy not just in Downton Abbey, but across the entertainment world. Giamatti emphasized the impact she had on the set: “Not having her there is obviously a huge loss, but everybody was still acting in her spirit.”
From Christmas Special to a Pivotal Role
Giamatti’s Surprising Return with a “Very Significant” Role
Paul Giamatti originally appeared in the Christmas special of the Downton Abbey series as Harold Levinson—Cora Crawley’s American brother. At the time, his role was more of a guest appearance. But this time, things are different.
“The interesting thing for me was that they even asked me at all,” he said with a chuckle. “I was like, 'I don’t have an important character in this story.'”
However, it turns out Harold plays a crucial part in the final movie. “What’s funny is my character has a very significant role. He does something very important in the movie,” Giamatti teased. “It’s really funny they brought me back to do this very significant thing.”
Original Cast Returns for the Final Goodbye
Familiar Faces, But One Big Void
Giamatti is joined by several fan-favorite stars from the Downton Abbey universe, including Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Laura Carmichael, and Michelle Dockery. The core cast is back to give fans the closure they’ve been waiting for.
But for many, especially the cast, filming without Maggie Smith has left an emotional gap. Her iconic role as the Dowager Countess defined the tone and wit of the series, and her absence will certainly be felt in every scene.
Giamatti reflected on the privilege of working with her during his first appearance. “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 recalled. “Just to be on set with her was something special.”
What to Expect in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
One Last Mystery, One Last Bow
The final film is expected to tie up major storylines and give fans one last dose of the elegance, drama, and emotional resonance the series is known for. While plot details are still under wraps, sources say Harold Levinson’s return is key to the storyline.
The film aims to honor Maggie Smith’s legacy while ushering the Crawley family and their loyal staff into a proper farewell. With new surprises, emotional twists, and beloved characters returning, the Downton Abbey finale is shaping up to be an unforgettable event.
A Tribute to the Past, A Farewell to a Legend
Giamatti’s heartfelt words remind us that Downton Abbey has always been more than just a period drama—it’s been a home for rich characters, complex relationships, and unforgettable performances. And none stood taller than Dame Maggie Smith.
As fans count down to September 2025, one thing is certain: the spirit of Violet Crawley, and the actress who brought her to life, will forever echo through the halls of Downton Abbey.
