Michael Douglas has left fans rather upset after he revealed he has stepped away from acting with "no real intentions" of returning to the screen.
The 80-year-old Oscar winner made the announcement whilst speaking at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival on Saturday, where he was presenting a newly restored print of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
"I have not worked since 2022 purposefully because I realized I had to stop," Douglas told reporters at the Czech festival.
The actor, who produced the 1975 classic for which he won an Academy Award, was responding to questions about his future plans in the film industry.
Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have been a Hollywood power couple for decades
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Douglas explained that his decision was driven by the demands of his lengthy career. "I had been working pretty hard for almost 60 years, and I did not want to be one of those people who dropped dead on the set," he said.
The veteran actor emphasised that whilst he hasn't officially retired, he has deliberately chosen to step back. "I have no real intentions of going back," Douglas stated.
"I say I'm not retired because if something special came up, I'd go back, but otherwise, no."
His last work in front of the camera was completed in 2022, marking a deliberate pause in his acting career.
Michael Douglas has announced he will be stepping back from acting
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Douglas's most recent on-screen appearances were in 2023's Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and the 2024 Apple TV+ biographical series Franklin, where he portrayed Benjamin Franklin.
Both projects were filmed in 2021, and he hasn't worked in front of the camera since.
Despite his step back from acting, Douglas hinted at "one little independent movie" he is "trying to get a good script out of," though he provided no further details about the project.
The actor also confirmed he has no plans to return to the Marvel franchise, stating: "I don't think so. I had the experience, and I was excited to do it."
Douglas also reflected on his battle with stage 4 tongue cancer and how it influenced his career decisions. "Stage 4 cancer is not a holiday, but there aren't many choices, are there?" he said. "I went with the program, involving chemo and radiation, and was fortunate."
He noted that surgery would have meant losing his ability to speak and having part of his jaw removed, which "would have been limiting as an actor."
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Michael Douglas will now spend his time with wife Catherine
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Now, Douglas is content supporting his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones's career, saying he's "happy to play the wife" whilst she remains busy with her own projects.
The news sent shockwaves through film fans across the globe, many of whom flocked to social media to express their dismay at the news but gratitude for Douglas' work over the years.
Michael Douglas fans were left upset by the news
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"Michael Douglas announced he’s retiring from acting at age 80," one X user began. "If this is actually it & if we never see Douglas on screen again, it’s been one hell of a ride. All Douglas did in the last 50 years was make hits & take risks. There is no 'next Michael Douglas'. He’s one of one."
"End of an era, but what an actor, what a star," a second added before a third echoed: "Wow, end of an era! Michael Douglas, what a legend. Wishing him a happy retirement!"
Elsewhere, a fourth typed: "Michael Douglas, retires at 80 after a stellar career. From One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest to Wall Street, his roles, Oscars defined an era. Now, he steps back to focus on family. Thank you, Michael, for the unforgettable stories and passion. Here’s to a legend’s legacy!"
And another added to the plaudits: "Awww wow. Well sad we didn’t get an ending for Hank Pym but he has had an excellent career. He deserves it. Thanks, Michael Douglas!!" (sic)
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