The British icon passed away on October 28 after a battle with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia, just two months before he was set to reprise his role as Charles Xavier/Professor X in Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday.
Patrick will appear in Avengers: Doomsday in December
Patrick had played the famous character since 2000's X-Men alongside his lifelong friend, Sir Ian McKellen, who portrayed Magneto, or Erik Lehnsherr, in the film franchise. Avengers: Doomsday, which is set for release on December 18, will mark Patrick's final onscreen appearance as well as the X-Men characters' entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, making it a highly anticipated watch.
Patrick portrayed the character several times over the past 26 years, including in X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Wolverine, X-Men: Days of Future Past and Logan.
Paying tribute to Patrick Stewart
The actor reprised his role as Professor X
In the wake of his death, several of Patrick's Marvel and X-Men co-stars have shared touching tributes to the star, including Marvel Studios itself.
"All of us at Marvel Studios are deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart," the studio wrote on X. "Sir Patrick brought Professor Charles Xavier to life with extraordinary grace, intelligence, and humanity, defining the character for generations of fans, from X-Men to Logan to Avengers: Doomsday."
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"He was a singular talent, a generous collaborator, and a true gentleman. Our hearts go out to his wife Sunny, his children, his friends, and the countless fans around the world whose lives he touched with his art," the tribute concluded. Joe and Anthony Russo, who directed Patrick in Avengers: Doomsday, took to social media to pay tribute as well.
"We've been lucky enough to work with some of our childhood heroes. And Sir Patrick Stewart will always be one of them," they shared. "A legendary actor with an unmistakable presence, and an unmatched integrity. Thank you for entertaining all of us, sir. And for teaching us humanity, both on and off the screen."
Hugh Jackman, who portrayed Wolverine opposite Patrick in the X-Men franchise, shared some behind-the-scenes photos with the late actor, alongside an Instagram caption that read: "We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today. And, in my book, a tremendous friend and man. I learned so much from him. I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days."
Famke Janssen, who portrayed Jean Grey in five X-Men movies, shared in a statement that Patrick was "one of the greats" and a true "legend".
"I had the pleasure and honor of working with him over several decades. First as Kamala opposite him as Captain Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and later on as Jean Grey with Patrick embodying Professor X in the X-Men movies. You will be missed, Patrick, but never forgotten," she said.
Prior to his death, Patrick admitted to TV Insider that he had no plans to retire and hoped to work until the very end. "As any actor my age will tell you, there are fewer and fewer available roles as we get older. That being said, I still continue to receive interesting offers, and I love being challenged by new work," he said. "I can't imagine ever officially 'retiring.' I'll always and forever be an actor."
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