Terence Stamp's Final Role: Reprising Iconic Transgender Character in 'Priscilla' Sequel

In a surprising revelation, filmmaker Stephan Elliott has disclosed that the late Terence Stamp, who passed away in August 2025 at the age of 87, spent the final months of his life reprising his role as Bernadette, a transgender nightclub artist, for the sequel to the 1994 hit film 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'.

Stamp, known for his roles in films like 'Billy Budd', 'Far From the Madding Crowd', and 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace', had initially been hesitant about agreeing to a sequel. However, Elliott convinced him by promising that 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert 2' would not simply be a repeat of the original. Intrigued by the unique plot, Stamp agreed to reprise his iconic character.

Elliott reveals that he shot Stamp's scenes over several grueling sessions, with the actor fully costumed as Bernadette. Despite his age and the challenges, Stamp gave the role his all, and Elliott describes the experience as "brilliant fun" and says the actor "really did have the time of his life." Sadly, Stamp passed away before the film could be completed, leaving Elliott and his team to grapple with how to proceed.

The director is now taking a break to mourn Stamp's loss and determine the best way to incorporate the actor's posthumous performance into the sequel. While the technical challenges are daunting, Elliott remains determined to honor Stamp's legacy and give the character of Bernadette a fitting send-off.