Paul Giamatti’s Downton Abbey 3 Could Face an Uphill Battle if it Repeats One Mistake of its 2022 predecessor
The Downton Abbey series has won millions of hearts with its portrayal of drama and the evolution of society across generations. As the franchise now looks forward to its third entry, audiences prepare for the fate of the Crawley family and their staff.
Following the success of Downton Abbey in 2019, the sequel Downton Abbey: A New Era in 2022 had high expectations. However, it received a lukewarm response at the box office. Now the third and final installment of the trilogy is bearing the responsibility of the conclusion to this saga.
However, there is still a possibility that the third installment could have an uphill task if it repeats the same mistake as its 2022 predecessor did.
Why Downton Abbey: A New Era Failed to Perform Like Its Predecessor?
Downton Abbey: A New Era was released in theaters during a crucial time when the world was somehow getting out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite having a well-acted and compelling storyline, the film was not successful at the box office. According to The Numbers, A New Era made about $92.7 million worldwide, which is less than half of the $194.6 million made by its 2019 predecessor.
One important reason for the underperformance could be that the film’s theatrical window was very short. As a concession to the rapidly shifting film distribution landscape, A New Era made its Peacock debut just 34 days after its theatrical release in the US. This quick move from theaters to streaming probably led to the film’s underperformance at the box office.
Moreover, Downton Abbey appeals to an older audience that was very cautious about visiting theaters because of COVID-19. Also, the first movie was released in 2019, after the end of the Downton Abbey TV series in 2016 in the US. So naturally, it was more special to see the reunion of the Crawleys the first time than the second time.
What Can We Expect in Downton Abbey 3?
As the production team prepares for the much-anticipated third installment, it would be smart to take note of the lessons from A New Era and rethink the strategy of distribution.
Focus Features and Carnival Films announced that Downton Abbey 3 is officially in the works now and will pick up the story from where the last part ended. It has the potential to be a real crowd-pleaser this time, especially among fans who have been with the whole Crawley experience, as the film has an opportunity to tap into nostalgia.
The movie will have returning favorites such as Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery and Laura Carmichael, as well as Paul Giamatti, Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale and Arty Froushan.
Moreover, as per the release, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Penelope Wilton, Lesley Nicol, Michael Fox, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Sophie McShera and Douglas Reith are also returning.
Although the story of the new installment is still a secret, Downton Abbey 3 could be set against the backdrop of the turbulent 1930s, exploring economic turmoil and World War II. Drawing a parallel to its predecessor’s depiction of World War I, the final film could provide a perfect conclusion by ending the franchise within the early 20th century.
As Downton Abbey 3 is ready for its conclusion, the makers and distributers could potentially learn from past mistakes and give the film a longer, season-length theatrical release.
Downton Abbey and Downton Abbey: A New Era is available on Netflix, Prime Video, Peacock, and other streaming sites.
