Hugh Bonneville on Returning for New Downton Abbey Film

Hugh Bonneville returns as Lord Grantham in the upcoming film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. The actor recently discussed his character’s nuanced journey in the final installment. The film is scheduled for release next Friday.

Bonneville highlighted the complex layers of the Crawley family patriarch. He described Robert Grantham as a fundamentally fair man despite his conservative background.

Lord Grantham’s Compassionate Core Revealed

Bonneville has always found depth in the character of Robert Grantham. He stated that beneath a curmudgeonly exterior lies a liberal and fair-minded man. This duality has been central to the role for over a decade.

This compassion is most evident in Robert’s relationship with his daughter, Mary. He consistently shows understanding for her personal trials and messy scrapes. Bonneville noted that navigating divorce in that era was vastly different from today.

Confronting Rigid Social Codes of the 1930s

A key plot point involves a society ball where Mary faces ostracization. As a divorcee, she is shunned, even by members of the Royal family. This creates a significant moral dilemma for Robert and Cora.

Bonneville revealed this scene felt uncomfortable to film. His instinct was to leave the ball with his daughter immediately. However, creator Julian Fellowes insisted that offending royalty was simply not done in that society.

This historical accuracy highlights the stuffiness of the era. It also underscores the vast social distance between the 1930s and the present day. The scene powerfully illustrates the constraints Robert must operate within.

The film explores these tensions between tradition and empathy. Robert’s quiet moral compass guides the Crawley family through profound change. His journey remains at the heart of the Downton Abbey story.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale promises a fitting send-off for the beloved characters. Audiences will finally witness the culmination of the Crawley family’s story. The film delivers a poignant and satisfying conclusion to the era.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the new Downton Abbey movie called?

The new film is titled Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. It serves as the concluding chapter to the popular series and film franchise. The story continues the Crawley family’s journey in the 1930s.

When does the Downton Abbey movie release?

The film is scheduled for release next Friday. It will be available in theaters worldwide. This marks the final installment in the Downton Abbey saga.

Who does Hugh Bonneville play in Downton Abbey?

Hugh Bonneville plays Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham. He is the patriarch of the Crawley family and head of the Downton Abbey estate. Bonneville has portrayed the character since the series began.

What is Lord Grantham’s character like?

Bonneville describes him as a liberal and fair-minded man beneath a conservative exterior. He is often compassionate, especially towards his daughter Mary’s troubles. The character navigates the tension between tradition and empathy.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, BBC