Michael Douglas On Ant-Man and The Wasp

Talk about interviewing the OG’s! Today’s interview with Michael Douglas, who plays Dr. Hank Pym in Marvel’s Ant-Man and The Wasp, sat down with our group to talk about his role in the movie, acting alongside Paul Rudd, and how he felt about Evangeline Lilly finally getting to don the suit of The Wasp. It was a great time to sit with him. 

There is a small-ish spoiler towards the interview about where Douglas goes when he finally gets his super suit on, so you can table this interview until after you’ve seen the movie, or you can read on. Your choice! Here’s a picture of Mr. Douglas to buffer that curiosity that you have while you make your decision. 

On working on the sequel 

Everyone we interviewed who we posed this question to let us know that the sequel was a lot more laid back than the first. Paul, Evangeline, and Michael all stated that they were much more relaxed this time around and it just felt like a family reunion instead of a movie they were all shooting together without background knowledge.

There’s just an inherent relaxation and joy normally about a sequel, you don’t have to introduce yourself again.  You know each other. There’s a comfort factor which makes it much easier. People know your own sense of humor. You’re not going to offend anybody. 

On seeing Evangeline wear the suit for the first time

I was excited for Evangeline because if you remember the end the first one, I show her Janet’s suit and there’s this look in her eye as Hope when she sees her mother’s suit.  But what I was looking at her when she was doing the scene, I saw Evangeline going I’m going to be a superhero. I could see her.  So, she’s–, she’s loaded, you know.  She was, you know, ready to go and excited.

On not breaking during scenes with Paul Rudd’s ad-libbing 

We watch it because when you feel it bubbling up, we don’t let it go there. Sometimes what happens is it’s hard to pull it back. And then you can lose a lot of time just because one goes then it happens. With Paul it’s difficult because he ad libs so much. I’m a little jealous of Paul because I’m kind of carrying the story line*, and having to go home to research about what the hell I’m talking about. And Paul will just come in with some one-liner and steal the scene. He’s unpredictable, wonderfully so. And funny.”

*all said in jest, we know that ALL of the actors carry the story line in one way or the other, so don’t send any hate mail. 

On working with green screen 

I’ve never done any of these pictures before.  The last one was the first green screen film. It’s just this whole other world.  I’ve got a whole new appreciation for actors who can act when there’s nothing there.  I mean it may be just basic bottom terrain but you’ll sit in these huge studios with green walls all around and this and that and Peyton Reed (director) telling you, okay, the asteroids coming in here.  Look up here, this and that. And you feel like this is so–. And you’re afraid you’re going to be embarrassed. And then you see it put together and they know what they’re doing.

On his relationship with younger viewers

When the first one was done Dylan (Douglas’ son) was maybe 15. He came out of the movie and his arms were crossed. He’s an actor himself. He says, “dad, this is going to be very good for your career. You don’t understand, this is going to bring a new audience for you. I recommend you do a sequel if they offer it to you.”

It is true, I must say. I’ll be talking sometimes and I’ll feel something pulling on my coat and I’ll look down and see a five-year-old kid saying while pointing up at me, Ant-Man! 

On finally getting his own super suit and going quantum 

I was a little disappointed on the first one. Reluctantly, I looked whimsically at how good everybody looked – Paul looked great and everything else. So, I got my old suit back up so if this continues. My feeling is if you get big or small they make you young, I might as well get back in there again.

On if we’ll see him in Avengers 4

*Michael then mimics a blow dart* – If I open my mouth, a blowgun emerges.  It’s a marvel blowgun–. I have learned my lesson.  You have nothing. KGB has nothing on me.

Ant-Man and The Wasp is now open in theaters and you’re going to want to go and see it! Let me know how you like it in the comments.