The two-time Oscar winner, now 80, last appeared on screen in 2024 as Benjamin Franklin in the Apple TV+ miniseries Franklin. Since then, Douglas has stepped away from acting to focus on producing and spending quality time away from the spotlight.
“I’m enjoying my hiatus and enjoying my life,” Douglas told Deadline, expressing no urgency to jump back into another acting role.
Douglas, who founded his independent production company Further Films in 1997, explained that juggling both acting and running the company had become overwhelming. “It was overwhelming running the production company and acting at the same time,” he said.
Through Further Films, Douglas has produced a number of projects, including Don’t Say a Word, One Night at McCool’s, and Swimfan, among others. His passion for storytelling remains strong, but he’s now channeling it into producing rather than performing.
“If something good comes up that I really like,” Douglas said of a possible return to acting, “but I don’t feel a burning desire. I’m still producing. I still love bringing people together.”
When asked about reprising roles in major franchises like Marvel’s Ant-Man series, in which he portrayed Dr. Hank Pym, Douglas was clear: “I don’t think so. I had the experience, and I was excited to do it. I’d never done a green screen picture before.”
Despite his retreat from acting, Douglas did recently work alongside his son, Cameron Douglas, 46, on a film titled Blood Knot. The project marks a rare on-screen collaboration between the father and son. However, Douglas said the film’s release remains uncertain: “I believe it’s looking for distribution.”
While fans may miss seeing Douglas in front of the camera, his continued presence behind the scenes ensures he remains an influential force in the film industry.
With a legendary career spanning more than five decades, including iconic roles in Wall Street, Fatal Attraction, and Romancing the Stone, Michael Douglas has little left to prove. For now, he’s content enjoying life’s quieter moments and supporting the next generation of storytellers from behind the lens.