Stewart's final film is Avengers: Doomsday

Marvel Studios announced that the late Patrick Stewart’s final film role will appear in the upcoming release Avengers: Doomsday. The studio confirmed the news in a tribute to the actor, who died at age 86 following a brief illness involving Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia. This performance marks the ninth time Stewart portrayed Charles Xavier for the screen.

Stewart first debuted as the character in the 2000 film X-Men. Over the following two decades, he returned to the role in multiple sequels, prequels, and reboots. These appearances included X2: X-Men United in 2003, X-Men: The Last Stand in 2006, X-Men Origins: Wolverine in 2009, The Wolverine in 2013, and X-Men: Days of Future Past in 2014. He also starred in the 2017 film Logan. His work as Xavier, alongside his portrayal of Captain Picard in the Star Trek franchise, defines his most recognized screen legacy.

In a July interview with TV Insider, Stewart discussed his decision to reprise the role for the new Marvel film. He stated that while opportunities for actors of his age often diminish, he continued to receive offers and enjoyed the challenge of new work. Stewart told fans, "I can't imagine ever officially retiring. I'll always and forever be an actor." His co-star Hugh Jackman shared his grief on Instagram, calling Stewart a "tremendous friend and man" and noting that he learned much from him.

Marvel Studios described the company as "deeply saddened" by Stewart's passing. The studio credited him with bringing "extraordinary grace, intelligence, and humanity" to Professor Xavier, defining the character for generations of fans. Stewart worked on the role from the original 2000 film through the 2017 release Logan and now to Avengers: Doomsday.

Directors Joe and Anthony Russo issued a statement describing Stewart as a "legendary actor" with an "unmistakeable presence." They thanked him for teaching them humanity both on and off the screen. The Avengers: Doomsday film opens in theaters on December 18 under the distribution of Disney and Marvel Studios.