Green Room was about to shut down until Patrick Stewart said yes, director Jeremy Saulnier reveals
By Fuzzy Mushroom · Published
Introducing a 10th-anniversary screening of Green Room in Los Angeles the day after Sir Patrick Stewart died, director Jeremy Saulnier said the A24 thriller was 'close to shutting down' with nobody cast as the skinhead leader Darcy Banker. Then Stewart 'out of the blue' expressed interest, said yes within about a week, and the film was 'instantly greenlit'. Saulnier called him 'a true gentleman, a kind leader to our whole cast' and 'the reason I still can make movies'.
Did you know Patrick Stewart played a villain in Green Room, and have you seen it?
How solid is this story?
Spore Score for the story: 86 (Rock solid). Status: Confirmed. On the record: Jeremy Saulnier speaking on stage at the screening, on video.
Sources
- Deadline: 'Green Room' Writer/Director Recalls How Patrick Stewart "Saved The Day" When Film Was Almost Axed, Would Tell Fans: "Don't Root For The Nazis" (31 October 2026)
- Variety: 'Green Room' Director Remembers Patrick Stewart as a 'F—ing Sweetheart' and Credits Him for Rescuing the Film (31 October 2026)
- The Hollywood Reporter: 'Green Room' Director Recalls How Patrick Stewart "Saved" Movie From Being Scrapped (1 November 2026)
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