Michael Douglas Comments on Rumors of Retirement from Acting, Sets Clear Condition

Michael Douglas, a guest at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, has made it clear that unless a particularly noteworthy project comes his way, he will not return to acting. The star is in the Czech Republic, where a special, restored version of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," which he produced, was shown.

- I haven't worked since 2022 of my own free will, because I understood that I had to stop. I worked very hard for practically 60 years and I didn't want to be one of those actors who dies on the set. I don't really intend to return to acting. I'm not saying that I'm retiring, because if something special comes up, I'll play. Otherwise, I have no intention of doing so - says 80-year-old Douglas quoted by Variety.

Douglas expressed many concerns about the state of American democracy under Donald Trump's presidency during the festival. According to him, America is heading towards autocratic rule. The actor called for the protection of democracy, saying that it is as valuable as it is fragile. In his opinion, the United States lacks politicians who are idealists, and politics is mainly conducted for one's own financial gain.

- I don't want to go into details, just listen to the news. I personally am concerned, it makes me angry and I think it is our responsibility to take care of ourselves now - Douglas ended his political tirade.

The rest of the evening belonged to "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" , which had been first performed in Karlovy Vary half a century earlier.

- The festival was just starting when we first came here. It was a new festival and the director of "Flight", Milos Forman , thought it was very important for his homeland that the filmmakers would come to the festival in person. I remember having a great time in this charming town. The special screening of the film 50 years after its premiere shows me how important this film is and I am happy to be back here - said Michael Douglas, recalling his first visit to Karlovy Vary, where, in addition to Forman, he was accompanied by producer Saul Zaentz and the actor in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", Danny DeVito.