After a bit of rumors and speculation regarding Professor X's role in the upcoming third solo Wolverine film, we now know for sure that Patrick Stewart's telepathic mentor will definitely appear in the film. That's why it's no surprise that director James Mangold, who helmed 2013's "The Wolverine" and is also behind the camera for 2017's "Logan," shared a highly dramatic portrait of Stewart on Twitter.

Taken w/ Leica S 007 Summicron 100mm, ISO 3200 1/250 ƒ3.4 -- by JM pic.twitter.com/Jhwsf7uBhv

— Mangold (@mang0ld) October 6, 2016

While the image is most likely not an official shot from "Logan" (the listing of camera specs marks this as more Mangold's hobby than a legit Fox photo), it does fit with the vibe that many expect the film to have. A report from earlier today revealed that the film may be set in the year 2024 and that both Logan and Charles Xavier will be older and sicker than we've ever seen them before. It's mentioned that Xavier will possibly even have trouble recognizing Wolverine. This stylized photo of Patrick Stewart certainly plays into the dark and gritty nature of the film.

And just as "Logan" will be Hugh Jackman's final go as Wolverine, Patrick Stewart totally expects the 2017 film to be his final turn as Professor X.

“I would imagine this is probably the end of the franchise for me,” he told ITV in an interview conducted at the University of Huddersfield. “But the thing about science fiction and fantasy is that you can never, ever say it’s the end, it’s over.”

Stewart debuted as Charles Xavier in 2000's "X-Men" and reprised the role in its sequels "X2: X-Men United" and "X-Men: The Last Stand." He also had brief cameo appearances in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and "The Wolverine," and a more fleshed out role in "X-Men: Days of Future Past."

Directed by James Mangold and starring Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Boyd Holbrook, Richard E. Grant and Stephen Merchant, “Logan” arrives in theaters on March 3, 2017.