Patrick Stewart shuts down Avengers: Doomsday retirement rumors with one blunt answer

Patrick Stewart is, yet again, shutting down the rumour mill about his retirement—this time with his usual dry honesty. There was chatter doing the rounds about whether Avengers: Doomsday would mark the end of Stewart's on-screen adventures. So, he went and cleared it up once and for all in a recent interview.

'I'll Always Be an Actor.'

Stewart spoke to TV Insider and, in classic unapologetic fashion, said he's not packing it in. To be fair, at 85 (turning 86 this July), he’s got more reason than most to think about slowing down. Here’s what he had to say for himself:

'I can't imagine ever officially "retiring." I'll always and forever be an actor.'

He acknowledged that, yes, decent roles aren’t exactly falling into his lap the way they used to—but he’s adamant he wants to keep working as long as possible. According to Stewart, the challenge of taking on new projects is part of what keeps him interested. Frankly, fair play to him.

What’s Stewart Doing Next?

If anyone was hoping he’d slowly fade away into a country garden, they’ll have to keep waiting. Stewart’s already got a few new credits lined up, and not what you’d think either:

• Bait – He’s voicing a pig’s head. No, really. Riz Ahmed’s new series somehow roped in Stewart for what he’s calling 'voicing a pig's head in Riz Ahmed's brilliant new series Bait.'
• Barbaric (Netflix) – This one’s an animated adaptation of the comic book. Michael Bay (in a truly wild pairing) is directing, Stewart is in the voice cast alongside Sam Claflin.

Bit of a wild mix—which only makes it clearer that Stewart is quite happy to try anything as long as it interests him.

The Usual Suspects: Professor X and Picard

Stewart, of course, first slipped into the bald cap as Professor X back in 2000’s X-Men, reprising the role repeatedly (most recently popping up in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in 2022, where plenty of fans lost their collective minds at seeing him back).

On top of that, he’s also had time to reflect on that little matter of Star Trek turning 60. During his chat, Stewart said Jean-Luc Picard is still the most significant role of my career, and he’s grateful that so many of the old Next Generation crew returned for Picard season 3. Sounds like he found the final season of Picard one of the most enjoyable jobs of his life.

Avengers: Doomsday lands in cinemas on 18 December 2026. If Stewart is anywhere near the premiere, don’t expect it to be some kind of swan song.