Sir Patrick Stewart’s final on-screen performance will be as Professor Charles Xavier, better known as Professor X, in Marvel Studios’ upcoming blockbuster Avengers: Doomsday. The studio confirmed the news in a tribute following the actor’s death on October 28, 2026, at the age of 86.

Stewart first brought Professor X to life in the original X-Men film in 2000, portraying the powerful telepath and founder of the X-Men for more than 25 years. His performance became one of the franchise’s defining roles, with appearances in several installments, including X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and Logan. He also returned as an alternate version of the character in 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Marvel confirmed Stewart’s return for Avengers: Doomsday when the film’s ensemble cast was announced in March 2025. Early footage has shown Professor X alongside Ian McKellen’s Magneto, reuniting two of the franchise’s most recognizable characters.

In its tribute, Marvel praised Stewart for bringing the character to life with grace, intelligence, and humanity, saying his portrayal helped define Professor X for generations of fans. The studio also extended its condolences to his wife, Sunny, his children, friends and fans around the world.

Stewart had continued working into his later years and discussed his return to the role in a July 2026 interview. He said he still enjoyed taking on challenging projects and could not imagine officially retiring from acting.

Avengers: Doomsday, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, is scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 18, 2026. With Stewart’s appearance confirmed as his final on-screen performance, the film will also serve as a final farewell to an actor whose portrayal of Professor X helped define the X-Men franchise.