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Michael Douglas Unlikely to Return as Hank Pym in Marvel Films

by Daniel May 23,2025

Michael Douglas, renowned for his role as the shrinking scientist Hank Pym in the Ant-Man series, has hinted that his time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) may be over. Douglas has graced the big screen as Hank Pym in all three Ant-Man films, with his latest appearance in the critically underwhelming "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" in 2023, as well as in "Avengers: Endgame." However, with the upcoming "Avengers: Doomsday" now in production, Douglas seems unlikely to reprise his role.

"I don't think so," Douglas stated to Deadline when questioned about returning for another Marvel project. "I had the experience, and I was excited to do it." Douglas, who has largely stepped back from acting, has focused his recent efforts on producing, boasting over a dozen credits in this role. Reflecting on his time with Marvel, he mentioned, "I'd never done a green screen picture before. But I'm enjoying my hiatus and enjoying my life. It was overwhelming running the production company and acting at the same time."

Douglas had previously expressed a wish for Hank Pym to meet his end in "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," believing it would complete his character's arc and heighten the stakes for Paul Rudd's Ant-Man. However, Marvel opted against this narrative direction.

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The disappointing box office results of "Quantumania" cast doubt on the future of the Ant-Man franchise, yet Paul Rudd is set to return as Ant-Man in "Avengers: Doomsday." As for the rest of the Ant-Man family—including Hank Pym, Michelle Pfeiffer's Janet Van Dyne, and Evangeline Lilly's Hope Van Dyne—their return seems uncertain. Lilly announced in June 2024 that she would be taking a break from acting to prioritize her family, making her appearance as Wasp in "Avengers: Doomsday" improbable as well.

As anticipation builds for "Avengers: Doomsday," recent leaks from the set have teased the return of a notable location from "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," adding an intriguing element to the film's plot.

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