NEED TO KNOW
Michael Douglas shared why he has “no real intentions” of returning to acting during a press conference at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic on July 5
“I have not worked since 2022 purposefully because I realized I had to stop,” the 80-year-old star said
He joked that he is “happy to play the wife” to his wife of nearly 25 years, Catherine Zeta-Jones, “in the spirit of maintaining a good marriage”
Michael Douglas is opening up about his decision to step away from Hollywood.
During a press conference at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic on Saturday, July 5, the Basic Instinct actor, 80, explained why he has no immediate plans to return to acting.
“I have not worked since 2022 purposefully because I realized I had to stop,” Michael said, per Variety. “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 continued, “I have no real intentions of going back. I say I’m not retired because if something special came up, I’d go back, but otherwise, no.”
Michael did share that he has “one little independent movie” he is currently attempting to “get a good script out of.” But otherwise, he joked, he is “happy to play the wife” to his wife of nearly 25 years, Catherine Zeta-Jones, “in the spirit of maintaining a good marriage,” per Variety.
Michael was at the film festival to introduce the screening of a newly restored version of Miloš Forman’s 1975 classic One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, starring Jack Nicholson. During his introduction, he was surprised with a Crystal Globe statuette from the festival’s executive director.
MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty
Michael Douglas at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on July 5, 2025
While speaking with Deadline in May, the Wall Street actor shared that he was “enjoying” his hiatus from acting while focusing on his personal life and producing. Michael helms Further Films, an independent production company launched in 1997.
“It was overwhelming running the production company and acting at the same time,” the star said.
As for getting back in front of the camera, Michael told Deadline, “If something good comes up that I really like. But I don’t feel a burning desire.”
He added: “I’m still producing. I still love bringing people together.”
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Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
From left: Dylan Douglas, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones in 2023
While Michael may not be taking on any acting roles at the moment, his 24-year-old son, Dylan Douglas, is set to make his acting debut in the upcoming thriller I Will Come to You, Variety reported in March.
He will play lead character Julian Marks, described as “a complex and enigmatic character driven by conflicting desires and murky motivations.”
In a statement following the news, Dylan said, “I was drawn to this role because of its complexity and depth. I am looking forward to bringing this character to life and being a part of a project that pushes boundaries.”
Michael shares Dylan, along with daughter Carys Douglas, 22, with Zeta-Jones, whom he married in 2000. He is also dad to son Cameron Douglas, 46, whom he shares with ex-wife Diandra Luker.
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