Downton Abbey star shares real reason they were cut out of final film

The Grand Finale has finally arrived in cinemas but fans were wondering why one cherished star was missing from the send off

Matthew Goode opened up about Downton Abbey (stock image)(Image: Kate Green, Getty Images for Paramount+)

If you’re a fan of period dramas, you’re in for a treat, as a fresh Downton Abbey film arrives today (September 12).

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is set to hit movie theaters this week, with fans eagerly awaiting its debut. Set in 1930, Michelle Dockery’s Lady Mary finds herself ostracized by elite society after her divorce, while Hugh Bonneville’s Lord Grantham faces financial difficulties.

TV lovers around the world have cherished the ITV series for years, with all episodes now available for streaming on Netflix, but this final movie is expected to bring plenty of surprising twists and dramatic moments, including the notable absence of one cherished character played by actor Matthew Goode. The news comes as Colin Farrell said Ireland calls to me’ as he shares emotional admission.

Earlier this year, Goode announced that he wouldn’t appear in the last Downton Abbey movie due to scheduling conflicts and knee surgery; however, he has since shared more information about what his character’s role would have involved in the film, reports the Mirror.

The cast of Downton Abbey (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)

Speaking with Deadline, Goode disclosed that his character Henry had been given only “a half-a-page scene”, meaning he wouldn’t have had a major role in the plot anyway.

At that time, Goode admitted he spoke with Lady Mary actress Michelle Dockery “at length” about how the scene might play out, and that they were “going to try and ask for a slight rewrite.”

He went on to say that “eventually it was just that [the film was] moving ahead” without his involvement. Henry was scheduled to feature in the “big racecourse day” sequence, as shown in the movie’s preview.

Although he had previously acknowledged feeling his character was “becoming a bit of a wet lettuce”, he voiced disappointment that timing clashes stopped him from reuniting with the cast he “loved” collaborating with. Goode subsequently explained his “wet lettuce” remark about Henry, noting it wasn’t intended to be “in a horribly derogatory way.”

In the meantime, supporters on Reddit have been eager to support the actor’s fresh endeavors, especially following his acclaimed performance in Netflix’s Dept Q this year.

One supporter wrote: “People can’t expect him to drop other projects where he’s actually given material to work with in favor of DA where they don’t give him much at all.”

Another shared: “Feels like actor Goode did what the writers allowed the character to be. Scheduling conflicts for filming must be problematic for in-demand actors.”

A third added: “Never was a fan of his character, but I always found his interviews fun, and enjoyed his other work. Will be checking out this new detective series.”

Meanwhile, another viewer chimed in: “Mary and Henry’s relationship felt forced since the beginning. The fact that we need Tom and Edith to remind us that Mary and Henry were meant to be together already showed that their relationship was rushed at the end of the series. If Mary had to get married then Charles Blake should have been a better choice.”

Before the grand premiere in London, some lucky fans got a sneak peek at an early screening in Los Angeles and shared their first impressions on social media. Judging by their reactions, Downton Abbey 3 is a fitting farewell for fans, filled with humor and heartache, though there are whispers that this might not be the last we see of the Crawley family.

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One fan gushed: “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is everything I hoped for. It’s an elegant, emotional and perfect sendoff.

“Not a dry eye in the theatre. Thank you for this unforgettable journey. It’s a bittersweet goodbye… or maybe a new beginning? One can only hope.”

Another viewer echoed: “What a farewell! Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is pure elegance full of drama, laughter, tears and everything in between. Thank you for this unforgettable journey. If this is goodbye, it was a perfect one.”

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