Michael Douglas Doubtful for Hank Pym Return

Veteran actor Michael Douglas, known for portraying Hank Pym in the Ant-Man films, has indicated his Marvel Cinematic Universe journey may be concluding. The Oscar-winning actor has made four appearances as the brilliant scientist, most recently in 2023's critically panned Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania following earlier roles in the Ant-Man trilogy and Avengers: Endgame.

With Marvel gearing up production for Avengers: Doomsday, fans wonder if Douglas will reprise his role. The actor himself suggests this seems improbable.

"I don't think so," Douglas revealed to Deadline regarding potential future Marvel projects. "I've had that experience, and I found it exciting."

The actor has largely stepped back from acting in recent years, with his Marvel roles being his only major film appearances. He continues working as a producer, with over a dozen producing credits to his name.

"Marvel films introduced me to green screen work for the first time," Douglas reflected. "But currently, I'm savoring this break from acting and enjoying life. Balancing a production company with acting became too demanding."

The actor had previously expressed interest in completing his character's narrative arc by having Hank Pym meet his demise in Quantumania, which he believed would intensify stakes for Paul Rudd's Scott Lang. Marvel executives ultimately chose a different direction.

Notable Absences in Avengers: Doomsday's Lineup

View 12 Images

While Paul Rudd's Ant-Man is confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, the film's disappointing box office performance leaves uncertainty about the franchise's future. Other members of the Ant-Man family - including Michelle Pfeiffer's Janet Van Dyne and Evangeline Lilly's Hope Van Dyne - appear unlikely to return.

Lilly announced in June 2024 her decision to pause acting to focus on family life, making a Wasp appearance improbable. Meanwhile, recent leaked set footage has revealed the unexpected reappearance of a location from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, hinting at potential narrative directions for the upcoming Avengers installment.