Two-time Academy Award winner Michael Douglas, a Hollywood icon known for his extensive and illustrious career, has recently indicated that he may be stepping back from acting. Speaking at the prestigious Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic, which was celebrating the 50th anniversary of the classic film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Douglas shared his thoughts on his future in the industry during a press conference. The 80-year-old actor and producer candidly expressed that he currently has “no real intentions” to return to acting unless a particularly compelling opportunity arises.

Douglas's last significant role was portraying Benjamin Franklin in the Apple TV+ series Franklin, which was filmed in 2022 and is set to be released in 2024. Reflecting on his lengthy career, which has spanned nearly six decades, he remarked, “I’ve had a very busy career. Now, I have not worked since 2022, purposely, because I realized I had to stop.” He candidly acknowledged his desire to avoid the fate of some peers who have tragically passed away on set, stating, “I did not want to be one of those people who dropped dead on the set.”

Douglas expressed contentment with his current life, saying, “I’m very happy with taking the time off. I have no real intentions.” Although he clarified that he is not officially retired, he expressed a willingness to return for a project that he finds particularly special. “Otherwise, I’m quite happy. I just like to watch my wife [actor Catherine Zeta-Jones] work,” he added, indicating that he enjoys supporting her career while focusing on personal interests.

Regarding his pursuits outside of acting, Douglas humorously mentioned that he is “trying to get a good script out” for a small independent film, but quickly added, “I’m not pursuing work. My golf game is getting better,” highlighting a shift in priorities as he embraces leisure activities in his later years.

During the festival, Douglas also touched upon his health journey, having undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatment for stage four throat cancer back in 2010. He expressed gratitude for having avoided surgery, which could have impacted his ability to speak and perform, saying, “I was fortunate not to have surgery, which would have meant not being able to talk and removing part of my jaw … that would have been limiting as an actor.”

In addition to discussing his personal life, Douglas addressed the current political climate in the United States, stating that he feels the nation is “flirting with autocracy.” He emphasized the importance of democracy, noting how precious and vulnerable it is, and how it requires constant vigilance to protect. “I hope that what we’re struggling with right now is a reminder of all the hard work the Czechs did in gaining their freedom and independence. Politics now seem to be for profit. Money has entered democracy as a profit center,” he said, lamenting the loss of idealism in American politics. Douglas concluded his thoughts on the political situation by expressing his own concerns: “I myself am worried, I am nervous, and I think it’s all of our responsibility to look out for ourselves.”