This September marks the cinematic release of Downton Abbey 3, the first instalment of the franchise in the period drama without the late Dame Maggie Smith. The legendary actress died in September 2024 at the age of 89. Now, show star Paul Giamatti has shared an update and admitted the filming of the third Downton Abbey movie is not the same without one of the show's most beloved characters.

The actor, 57, made the candid admission in a new interview where he opened up about reprising his role as Harold Levinson. The on-screen star is set to appear briefly in the upcoming movie having last appeared in the series back in 2013 for the Christmas special. Reflecting on his time filming he revealed that Dame Maggie's presence could still be felt.

The actor revealed that the brief experience working with the legendary actress has been one of the highlights of his career so far.

He told PEOPLE: "It was not the same without her, but it felt very much like in her honor in some way.

"She certainly still feels present through the whole thing."

Dame Maggie sadly died in September of last year as tributes poured in for the beloved actress whose career spanned over six decades having starred in a variety of movie and TV roles from Harry Potter, Sister Act and The Secret Garden just to name a few.

The actress won further praise for her portrayal of Downton Abbey's matriach, Violet Crawley, between 2010 and 2015.

While Paul refused to give away any spoilers, he was admittedly surprised the film producers asked him to return.

He said: "The interesting thing for me was that they even asked me at all because I was like, 'I don't have an important character in this story.'

"But what's funny is my character has a very significant role. He does something very significant in the movie.

"I was like, 'It's really funny they brought me back to do this very important, significant thing.'"

Several fan favourites are returning for the film including Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern and Michelle Dockery.

Plot details about the new film are currently under wraps but it has been speculated that it will follow on from the events of the second film, A New Era (2022).

It also promised to pay tribute to Dame Maggie herself, after her character Lady Violet passed away in A New Era.

Downton Abbey 3 hits UK cinemas on September 12, 2025.