Saulnier Credits Patrick Stewart With Saving Green Room From Cancellation

Jeremy Saulnier, the director of the 2015 film Green Room, stated that Patrick Stewart rescued the project from cancellation. Saulnier made these remarks at a Los Angeles screening held on Friday to mark the movie's 10th anniversary. The event occurred the day after Stewart died.

Saulnier told the audience that production had reached a critical point. The set was under construction, and the lead role of Darcy Banker remained uncast. He described the situation as a point of no return. The director said the production was close to shutting down completely.

According to Saulnier, Stewart expressed an unrequested interest in the project. The director was on the phone with the actor about a week later. Saulnier recalled leaving the stage expecting to break down the sets. Instead, Stewart agreed to join the film. The director said the movie was instantly greenlit after Stewart said yes.

"He had no business doing this movie. He every option to do otherwise," Saulnier said. He added that Stewart swooped down into the project and saved the team. Saulnier stated that Stewart is the reason he still makes movies.

The director remembered Stewart as a kind leader and a true gentleman. Saulnier shared a specific anecdote about the actor requesting a small change in a scene. Stewart asked for permission to say the word "fuck" when the camera passed through a specific area. Saulnier granted the request. The director said this moment confirmed that Stewart was aligned with the film's aesthetic.

Patrick Stewart died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday. His spokesperson, Kelly Bush Novak, announced that he died following a brief struggle with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia. He was 86 years old. The news prompted tributes from former co-stars and industry figures.

Ian McKellen, Kevin Feige, and William Shatner are among the celebrities who have paid homage to the actor. Hugh Jackman, Minnie Driver, Rebecca Romijn, Halle Berry, and James Marsden also shared messages. These figures joined many others in honoring the Star Trek and X-Men star.