By GustavoLeao / 08:04, 2 January 2005 / General Genre/SciFi

The SpaceView magazine, out in Germany, features an exclusive interview with STAR TREK THE NEXT GENERATION star Patrick Stewart, in which he talks about his career and future projects, plus the recent X3 and SUPERMAN rumors. Here are a few excerpts, translated from the German.

Question : Mr. Stewart, what can you tell us about the third X-MEN movie ? Do you look forward to this project?

Stewart : Yes! Everyone, my colleagues and I, we are all very pleased to be involved on this film. The filming would have to begin June 2005, because 20th Century Fox plans to release X-MEN 3 in July 2006. And it is not that simple to get all the cast together again. Unfortunately, Bryan Singer will not be involved this time, because he is directing the new SUPERMAN movie. And, as I said, is not certain that all the actors will be returning. But I am sure that Hugh Jackman will be back. He is such a crazy actor ! I just saw him on stage in New York where he delivered such an extraordinary performance.

Question : How is it to be at a Convention? Are you pleased with the fans' feedback ?

Stewart : Yes, it is unbelievable! I still remember my first STAR TREK convention. That was - I believe - shortly after the first season of THE NEXT GENERATION ended. Actually, I did not want to go at all, but someone said to me that it was good for the series. Therefore I went. When I noticed how many people had come in order to see me, I was simply overwhelmed. I would never have expected that THE NEXT GENERATION would become so popular worldwide.

Question : There are rumors that Bryan Singer wants you for the role of "Jor El" in the upcoming SUPERMAN movie? Is that correct?

Stewart : I also heard these rumors, but so far Bryan has not asked me about it. I had recently a small heart surgery - nothing serious - and while I was at the hospital, Bryan called me. We spoke a long time - yet he did not ask me. But since I am already in two big franchises, why not also in a third or a fourth?

Question : Would you like to star in a TV Series again ?

Stewart : For the moment - no! [...] In the near future, I would like to dedicate my career to the theater. To be able to play a role more than once, to receive the direct feedback from the spectators - this experience is not to be compared to the work before the camera. I love it!

Question : Is a reason why you withdrew from the USA to England?

Stewart : Yes, there is a reason for that. My heart belongs to the British theatre. In the last 17 years I lost the contact with it, and I would like to change that now. In addition I simply miss England. I love so many places in America, but in England I am at home.

The original report (in German) can be found here