Julian Fellowes updates on season three of The Gilded Age

Julian Fellowes is a master of period dramas. He’s the creator, writer, and executive producer of the beloved Downton Abbey, and he’s also responsible for HBO’s The Gilded Age, which is gearing up for its third season.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Julian, 75, shared insights about the upcoming series, which is currently in production, shedding light on what fans can expect.

“The Gilded Age was very mixed. There were all these tremendous businesses and banks — all before regulations existed. It was a complete free-for-all. What I like to emphasize is that behind the ballrooms, the clothes, and the carriages, men with enormous egos were doing significant things,” Julian explained.

“They didn’t share our generation’s sentimental view. We tend to spend a lot of time feeling sorry for everyone. There is something about their braggadocio that I find rather appealing. It doesn’t mean I’m like them.”

Julian’s hints suggest significant changes ahead for New York’s high society. The third season will return in 2025, though the specific release date remains unconfirmed.

A brief teaser featuring Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, and Louisa Jacobson has been posted on the show’s Instagram account, along with casting updates. The impressive ensemble will now include Phylicia Rashad, Jordan Donica, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Victoria Clark.

Phylicia Rashad, known from Empire, will play Mrs. Elizabeth Kirkland, a woman from a prominent Newport family with ties to the American Revolution who has high standards and an occasionally sharp tongue.

Meanwhile, Blue Bloods star Jordan Donica will appear as Elizabeth’s son, Dr. William Kirkland, and Mr. Robot’s Brian Stokes Mitchell will portray her husband and pastor, Frederick Kirkland.

Victoria Clark, from Almost Family, joins as Joan Carlton, a woman from New York high society’s old money side. Adding to the excitement, it’s been confirmed that Bill Camp from Presumed Innocent, Andrea Martin from Only Murders in the Building, Merritt Wever from Nurse Jackie, Leslie Uggams from Deadpool, and Hattie Morahan from Fool Me Once are also on board.

Production is in full swing. The cast returned to set in July, with Louisa Jacobson noting that the 8th marked her first day on season three. Following the events of season two, many questions need answering.

Fans are curious about what Bertha has agreed to with the Duke and the status of Marian and Larry, who shared their first kiss in the season finale.

In another interview with TV Line, Julian suggested that the new couple dynamic might lead to more scenes between Christine Baranski, who plays Marian’s aunt Agnes, and Carrie Coon, who portrays Larry’s mother, Bertha.

“It might be quite nice to involve them in some situation that didn’t depend on them liking each other but where they both had to turn up,” Julian reflected. “We might look for some dramatic situations that would provide that.”

Source: The Hollywood Reporter, TV Line