Fans will have one final opportunity to see Sir Patrick Stewart on the big screen following the beloved actor’s death at the age of 86.
Stewart, whose career spanned seven decades and included some of cinema and television’s most iconic roles, died on Wednesday, October 28. His family announced that he passed away at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by his wife, Sunny Ozell, and loved ones.
Although his death marked the end of an extraordinary career, Stewart’s final film performance is still to come. The actor will make a posthumous appearance in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, which is set for release in December.
Patrick Stewart died on Wednesday(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
A Final Return as Professor Charles Xavier
The upcoming blockbuster will mark Stewart’s ninth and final appearance as Professor Charles Xavier, the legendary leader of the X-Men.
Marvel Studios confirmed following his death that his completed performance in Avengers: Doomsday will serve as a final tribute to his remarkable legacy.
Principal photography on the film took place between April and September 2025 under directors Anthony and Joe Russo. Stewart had completed all of his scenes before filming officially wrapped.
The movie is set to bring the X-Men into the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe as part of a major multiversal crossover. Stewart will also appear alongside his longtime friend and screen rival, Sir Ian McKellen, who is returning as Magneto.
Patrick Stewart will be featured in Avengers: Doomsday as Professor X(Image: 20th Century Fox/Marvel Ent Group/Kobal/Shutterstock)
A Career That Spanned Seven Decades
Born in Yorkshire, Stewart became one of Britain’s most respected actors through an extraordinary career on stage and screen.
He was best known around the world for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Picard, as well as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film series.
Away from the screen, Stewart enjoyed a celebrated theatrical career. He spent years as a prominent member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and won two Olivier Awards.
His family said Stewart’s death followed a brief journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
In their statement, they described how the actor had been surrounded by family and friends, live music, prayer, tears and laughter in his final days.
The family said they would forever cherish the “peaceful ease and reflection” on his face, describing it as an enduring reminder of his grace.
Patrick Stewart stars in the X-Men film series as Professor X/Charles Xavier(Image: 20thC.Fox/Everett/Shutterstock)
Ian McKellen Pays Tribute to a Friend of Half a Century
Following news of Stewart’s death, Sir Ian McKellen shared an emotional tribute to his friend of more than 50 years.
McKellen said that, above all else, Stewart was defined by his Yorkshire roots and remained deeply proud of where he came from.
He spoke of the honesty and warmth that made Stewart a man he could rely on, admire and love.
McKellen also reflected on Stewart’s life in America, where he met his wife, Sunny, while noting that the actor never lost his connection to Yorkshire.
Among Stewart’s proudest achievements, McKellen highlighted his appointment as Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield.
Now, audiences will have one last chance to watch the acclaimed actor in a role that became one of the defining parts of his career.
His farewell performance in Avengers: Doomsday is still to come — offering fans a final opportunity to see Sir Patrick Stewart bring Professor Charles Xavier to life on screen.
