Patrick Stewart's final film credit: A 2013 caper set in Jerusalem

Patrick Stewart, the British actor known for Star Trek and X-Men, died on Thursday. His filmography includes one Israeli production: 'Hunting Elephants.' Released in 2013, the caper comedy opened the Jerusalem Film Festival that year. Stewart joined a cast of established Israeli actors for the film, directed by Reshef Levi.

The plot centers on a young boy named Michael, played by Gil Blank. Michael lives with his grandfather, Sasson Gabbai, and his grandfather's friend, Moni Moshonov, at an assisted-living facility. Both men are former bank robbers. After Michael's father, a bank guard played by Zvika Hadar, dies suddenly, the bank withholds his pension due to a technicality. Stewart plays the boy's British great-uncle. He travels to Israel to help the two old men rob the bank and recover the money owed to the family. The script explains the family connection by noting that Michael's grandmother, who is comatose, is British.

Stewart took the role at the last minute. He replaced John Cleese, who was originally cast but fell ill before filming began. In a press conference in Tel Aviv before shooting started, Stewart noted that his character was the only one who did not speak Hebrew. He described the project as unlike anything he had previously attempted.

Stewart had visited Israel as a tourist one year prior to the film's production. He was preparing for a stage production of 'The Merchant of Venice,' a role he had performed five times. He stated that he should have visited Israel earlier to give the role authenticity. He spent four days in the country during that first visit and said he did not want to leave.

A few months later, Stewart received a package containing the script for an Israeli film set in Jerusalem. He said he was delighted to return to the country not as a tourist but as part of a film production. He described the script as very funny and praised the distinguished cast.

During the promotional press conference, Stewart discussed his political views. A lifelong member of the Labor Party, he said he would prioritize solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict if he were a world leader. He emphasized the importance of spending time in the region to understand the issues. He looked forward to having a clearer mind after a month of filming in Israel.

Stewart also shared advice from two Jewish friends regarding safety in the region. He recounted their suggestion: if you are outdoors and everyone else is running while you stand still, you should pay attention.