‘Downton Abbey’ season 4 spoilers: Dan Stevens opens up about [spoiler]
For several months now, fans of “Downton Abbey” all around the world were all asking the same exact question: is Dan Stevens going to leave prior to the start of season 4? He never had inked a contract for the new year, and he also had never really openly talked about his future on the show … at least until now. (Of course, a warning now to all of our American viewers: if you want to remain absolutely spoiler-free when it comes to what happened during the Christmas special airing on Tuesday, you really want to stop reading now.)
With the death of Stevens’ character of Matthew during the closing minutes of the episode, it became clear that we were not going to be seeing the actor return for another go-around in the future. What was not clear at that very moment, however, was just how far along this move was planned in advance. However, the actor confirmed during a new interview with the Daily Telegraph that he did indeed make the decision to step down from the hit show during the start of production for the new season, and he explained that his motivations were in terms of his career rather than a desire for more money or notoriety:
“We were always optioned for three years … And when that came up it was a very difficult decision. But it felt like a good time to take stock, to take a moment. From a personal point of view, I wanted a chance to do other things.
“It is a very monopolising job. So there is a strange sense of liberation at the same time as great sadness because I am very, very fond of the show and always will be.”
There are no official contracts at the moment for either Maggie Smith or Michelle Dockery, but the end of their storylines during the Christmas special strongly suggests that we will see both Violet and Mary back in full capacity next season. It’s possible that season 4 could be the end for the show depending on the desire of everyone else to do something else, but we will find out more about that subject soon.
What do you think about some of Stevens comments, and is it smart of right for him to leave a show that is so popular? If you want to go back and read our full review of the Christmas special (which was really excellent, as sad as the ending was), you can do so over at the link here.
Photo: ITV
dina
January 3, 2013 @ 5:21 am
I am very disappointed at Dan Stevens leaving but I can see his point.
Much as i hate to see the end of the love affair of Mary and Matthew, i do wish Dan Stevens all the best in the world and hope he will get to do what he wants….
I cant wait to see him in SUMMER IN FEBRARY …fabulous book.
Dan Stevens will always be one of my favourite actors.
Carol
December 29, 2012 @ 8:36 pm
I love Downton Abbey. I didn’t JUST start watching it….my British-born hairstylist told me about it. I was looking for another daytime show and came across the name Downton Abbey & started watching it. Now I love it. The only actor (male) that I recognize is Rob James-Collier (formerly “Liam Connor of Coronation Street) and I love his acting. He couldn’t be more different on Downton Abbey. Rob, I hope you will choose to stay, right up until the bitter end. Wish this series would continue indefinitely.
Marjorie
December 28, 2012 @ 10:33 am
I can imagine how hard the decision must have been for Mr Stevens to leave Downton Abbey after three years as he would surely feel a void for his on screen family , but time waits for no man especially in the world of entertainment . Having said that there might have been an option suggested that Matthew could return at some point in the next series should it be possible instead of killing him off so tradgically . Good luck Mr Stevens wherever your career leads you ,I wish you every success for the future .