Michael Douglas Unlikely to Return as Hank Pym in Ant-Man, Cites Experience with Marvel

Veteran actor Michael Douglas, known for his role as Hank Pym in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has indicated that he's likely finished with the MCU. Douglas has made four appearances on the big screen as the shrinking scientist, including all three Ant-Man movies and a role in Avengers: Endgame. His most recent outing was in the 2023 film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which received mixed reviews.

With the production of Avengers: Doomsday underway, fans are curious about whether Douglas will reprise his role. However, Douglas has expressed doubts about returning to the franchise. In a recent interview with Deadline, he stated, "I don't think so," when asked about future Marvel projects. He enjoyed his time working on these films, particularly as they marked his first experience with green screen technology, but he is now relishing his time away from acting and focusing on his life and production company.

Douglas had previously expressed a desire for his character to be killed off in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania to enhance the stakes for Paul Rudd's Ant-Man. However, Marvel chose a different path for Pym. As Douglas has largely retired from acting, with his recent appearances limited to Marvel projects, it seems his days in the superhero universe are numbered.

The Most Surprising Avengers and Marvel Characters Not Announced for Doomsday

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The underwhelming box office performance of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania has cast doubt on the future of the Ant-Man series. While Paul Rudd is set to return in Avengers: Doomsday, the rest of the Ant-Man family—including Douglas's Hank Pym, Michelle Pfeiffer's Janet Van Dyne, and Evangeline Lilly's Hope Van Dyne—may not join him. Lilly announced in June 2024 that she is stepping away from acting to focus on her family, further reducing the likelihood of her character Wasp appearing in the upcoming film.

As for what fans can expect from Avengers: Doomsday, recent leaks from the set have revealed a surprising return to a location featured in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, sparking excitement and speculation about the film's plot.