Paul Giamatti says the late Maggie Smith still feels present in ‘Downton Abbey 3’

Downton Abbey will close the beloved upstairs downstairs with one Third filmSuitable title Downton Abbey: The Grand FinaleWhen it is released in theaters on September 12.

In addition to much of the lead role – including Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Laura Carmichael and Michelle Dockeryamong others to two times Oscar-nominated Paul Giamatti Make an unexpected but welcome return Like Harold Levinson, a character that first appeared season 4 Christmas special (“The London Season”).

Giamatti’s addition to the role together with other Franchise newcomers Alessandro Nivola and Joely Richardson unfortunately coincides with the departure of Dame Maggie Smithwho played Violet Crawley in the series and the first two films before die in September 2024.

While talking to people about joining Black mirror Season 7which premieres on Netflix April 10, Giamatti ‘, 57, opened to repair his role – especially in the wake of Smith’s death.

“It was not the same without her, but it felt as much as in her honor in some way. She really still feels present throughout the matter,” says Giamatti. “Not having her there is obviously a huge loss, but everyone still acted in her spirit.”

He adds, “Working with her for the first time was one of the best things ever and I didn’t even have to do much with her.”

Harold, as fans may remember, is the brother of Cora Crawley (McGovern) and Martha Levinson (Shirley Maclaine). During the Christmas special, Cora’s siblings visit Downton, where the Crawley family hosts Roses (Lily James) comes out the ball.

Although it is not a fan of England, Harold is eventually growing close to one of Rose’s friends, Madeleine Stångopp (Poppy Drayton), who decides to persecute him after learning that he is very rich. Although they know that women are only talking to him in the hope of getting something out of it, Harold and Madeleine decide to stay in touch after returning to America.

Given that appearance of a section, the return of the character is a curious. And was a surprise even Giamatti. “The interesting thing to me was that they even asked me at all because I was like, ‘I have no important character in this story,'” he remembers.

The actor then teases, “but what is fun is that my character has a very important role. He does something very important in the movie. I was like,” It’s really fun that they took me back to make this very important, significant thing. “

But time back in the world of Downton Abbey was worth it. “When you go into one thing where the culture is so set, they know what they are doing, everyone is happy to do it, everyone is on board to do it, it is really nice,” he says.

“These people were fantastic and I was looking forward to going back there because I had such a fun time for the first time,” Giamatti continues, leaving, “It was wonderful.”

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale Written by franchise creator Julian Fellowes, who also served as a producer with Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge, while Simon Curtis returned to Direct after Helming 2022’s Downton Abbey: a new era.

The rest of the role includes returning stars Phyllis Logan, Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Penelope Wilton, Lesley Nicol, Michael Fox, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coole, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Soppie, Sopphie McE.

In addition, Dominic West recalls its role as Guy Dexter from a New eraWhile Simon Russell Beale and Arty Froushan also join the ensemble in new roles.