Michael Douglas to Join Paul Rudd in Marvel's ANT-MAN as 'Hank Pym'

According to Variety, Michael Douglas, coming off of HBO's BEHIND THE CANDELABRA, has joined the cast of Marvel's upcoming film ANT-MAN.

Douglas will take on the role of scientist 'Hank Pym,' joining Paul Rudd, who will presumably play 'Scott Lang,' as previously speculated. The film is being directed by Edgar Wright. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige will produce the film with Nira Park.

"With Hank Pym's rich history in the Marvel Universe, we knew we needed an actor capable of bringing the weight and stature to the role that the character deserves," Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige told Variety. "We felt incredibly relieved when Michael Douglas agreed to step into the part with the charm and fortitude he brings to every character he inhabits, and couldn't be more excited to see what he will do to bring Hank Pym to life."

Ant-Man is scheduled to be released by Walt Disney Pictures on July 31, 2015.

Douglas has won four Golden Globes and two Academy Awards; as producer of 1975's Best Picture, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and as Best Actor in 1987 for his role in Wall Street. The actor received the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2009. Just last night, he took home his fourth Globe for HBO's Behind the Candelabra.

Photo by Walter McBride