In a career spanning more than five decades, English actor Patrick Stewart has established himself as a household name, enthralling audiences with his commanding presence and unmatched talent.
He undoubtedly is one of the acclaimed actors of Hollywood, who has portrayed a number of prestigious characters that have wowed audiences throughout the years, as well as appeared in a number of well-liked films and franchises. But is most known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the acclaimed television series Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film series.
However, the actor once expressed his annoyance with Hollywood’s propensity to lump his entire career into just these two significant roles.
Why Patrick Stewart Was Upset with Hollywood?
The role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994) marked Patrick Stewart‘s breakthrough. He became wildly popular thanks to this role and shot to immense prominence. Soon after, he was cast as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film series, solidifying his position as an industry titan.
Stewart acknowledged that he also struggled with being associated with Captain Picard or Professor Xavier, despite the fact that these famous roles unquestionably garnered him worldwide renown.
The actor, 83, actively sought to diversify his acting resume in an exclusive interview with Digital Spy, while also venting his displeasure as:
“So I happened to play two roles that I’m most well known for – and by the way, Star Trek ended 25 years ago and my last X-Men movie was 5 years ago – so it disappoints me when the press responds with ‘My, what were you thinking taking on a role like this, that’s a bit unexpected,’ but no, it’s not unexpected!”
As a result, Stewart found it “mildly irritating” when others say “This is a surprise” because it wasn’t a surprise to him:
“The last major stage role I did was Macbeth, which is one of the nastiest, bloodiest, most terrifying productions anyone has ever seen, so it’s mildly irritating when people say ‘this is a surprise’ because it isn’t a surprise to me, it’s what I’ve done all my life! I wanted to get that out of the way so we don’t spend the next ten minutes talking about Star Trek and X-Men.”
Also read: Marvel Reportedly Keeping Patrick Stewart on Standby for Another Professor X Appearance in MCU
This Film Made Patrick Stewart Feel Completely Unsafe
When Patrick Stewart starred in the 2015 horror movie Green Room, many people thought his career was taking a different turn. The actor played a neo-nazi who targets a group of young aspiring artists in the Jeremy Saulnier film. Stewart’s initial reaction to the movie’s script was quite strong. He told Variety:
“It had got to me so fast, and potently. I poured myself a large glass of whiskey and then I finished reading the script.”
The actor couldn’t believe the story of the movie had affected him so deeply. But at the same time, it also persuaded him to participate in the film.
“Whether it’s actors or directors or producers or designers, I am always looking for the opportunity to work with people who are creatively new and excited and ambitious within the industry. It can help to make a wonderful working relationship.”
However, the actor had little time to be ready for the role. It took him roughly 10 days from reading the script to boarding a plane for the shoot in Portland, Oregon, but he claimed to have enjoyed the pandemonium when an opportunity presented that he couldn’t refuse. He further noted:
“Even though you might be enjoying sitting in your rose garden in Oxfordshire, the other thing becomes more important.”
Despite being nominated for the Empire Award for Best Horror in 2017, Green Room only made $3 million of its $5 million budget.
You can stream Green Room on Max.
Source- Digital Spy; Variety
