Marvel Star Says They’re Done Acting (What Does That Mean for Their MCU Hero?)

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On Monday, Michael Douglas, a renowned actor, shared an unexpected revelation during the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. As reported by Variety, Douglas, who was there to unveil a re-mastered version of Miloš Forman’s film “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” touched on political matters and hinted at his future in acting. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2015’s “Ant-Man,” Douglas has been gradually reducing his acting roles. Although he didn’t explicitly say “retired,” Douglas clarified that he doesn’t foresee returning to acting in the near future.

Michael Douglas shared that he’s taken a break from work since 2022, recognizing the need to step away. He had been working tirelessly for nearly six decades and didn’t want to be among those who pass away on set. In essence, he’s not planning to return, although he uses the term “not retired” because if an exceptional opportunity arises, he might reconsider. Otherwise, his focus lies elsewhere.

The actor mentioned that he’s aiming to find a good script for a small independent film he’s interested in. No specifics about this project were disclosed. It appears doubtful that the actor will resume his character as Hank Pym within the Marvel universe, unless it’s for something truly exceptional. As things stand, Douglas hasn’t been involved with any Marvel Studios production since 2023’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.” For now, Hank Pym’s future is unclear following the trilogy, which reunited the Ant-family after defeating Kang and returning Janet from the Quantum Realm.

Actor Douglas has decided not to continue with the Ant-Man series, following Evangeline Lilly who announced her departure from acting in this franchise last year. Like Lilly, Douglas hasn’t officially retired but hinted at a possible return. Since then, Lilly has not been involved in any new projects. This leaves the characters Hank and Hope in an uncertain position within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s unclear whether Marvel Studios will recast their roles or find a way to write them out, considering Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man remains significant in the Marvel universe.

Beyond the Marvel universe, Douglas has had a distinguished acting career spanning five decades. Starting with his first credited role as Wilson Davis in CBS Playhouse, he later starred in series such as Hail, Hero!, The Streets of San Francisco, and Romancing the Stone . His career took off with films like Fatal Attraction and Wall Street. Douglas is also known for iconic roles in movies like Basic Instinct, A Perfect Murder, Don’t Say a Word, and The Game. His latest on-screen appearance was in the television mini-series, Franklin, where he played Benjamin Franklin.

Fans have the opportunity to watch Douglas’ portrayal of Hank Pym right now, since all three Ant-Man movies are currently available for streaming on Disney+. Moreover, you can listen to his voice as Pym in the animated series What If?, which concluded its three-season run on the same platform.

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2025-07-08 19:13