Michael Douglas, attending the Karlovy Vary Film Festival to present a restored version of Miloš Forman’s iconic film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, voiced serious worries about the future of democracy in the United States amid the Trump administration. Addressing the political climate during a press conference, the Oscar-winning actor remarked that the U.S. is dangerously close to veering toward autocracy, emphasizing how fragile and valuable democracy is.
Douglas described the current political scene as being dominated by financial interests, expressing disappointment that money has become a central motive within democracy, undermining the ideals that once guided American politics.
Reflection on Democracy’s Fragility and Political Motivations
Douglas stressed the need for vigilance to protect democratic systems, drawing parallels with the struggles Czechs endured to secure their freedom. He observed a disturbing trend where politics has turned into a profit-driven enterprise, with many entering the field seeking personal financial gain rather than public service.
I look at it generally as the fact of how precious democracy is, of how vulnerable it is and how it always has to be protected,
he said.
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 centre. People are going into politics now to make money. We maintained an ideal, an idealism in the U.S., which does not exist now.
—Michael Douglas, Actor
He concluded by admitting his concern about the state of affairs but preferred not to elaborate, as he believes recent events sufficiently illustrate the situation. He highlighted the responsibility of individuals to remain attentive and protect their rights.
I myself am worried, I am nervous, and I think it’s all of our responsibility to look out for ourselves.
—Michael Douglas, Actor
Honoring Miloš Forman and the Legacy of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
The film’s screening at the festival marked a significant moment, coming 50 years after its original presentation in Karlovy Vary. This event honored not only the film but also its deep connections to the town and to Forman’s Czech heritage. The director was a long-standing supporter of the festival, and Douglas, along with the film’s producer Saul Zaentz and co-star Danny DeVito, had previously received the festival’s Crystal Globe award for outstanding contributions to cinema.
Joining Douglas were Paul Zaentz, nephew of producer Saul Zaentz, and members of Forman’s family, underscoring the close-knit ties between the creators and the festival’s history.
Reflecting on the festival’s early days, Douglas shared his memories of the first time he visited Karlovy Vary with Forman.
The festival was just beginning when we first came here,
Douglas recalled.
It was a new festival and Miloš felt it was important to his country to be at the festival. I remember we had a good time, it’s a charming, charming town. It’s highly unusual to be supporting and honoring a movie from 50 years ago. It was a reminder for me of how special that picture was. It’s a treat to come back here to the scene of the crime, where Miloš was brought up, with all of what he accomplished.
—Michael Douglas, Actor
A Glance Back at a Legendary Oscar Year
Douglas also reflected on the remarkable quality of films nominated for Best Picture at the 1976 Oscars, which included Forman’s eventual winner alongside other classics such as Dog Day Afternoon, Jaws, Barry Lyndon, and Nashville. He challenged the audience to name a comparable slate of films from recent years.
I ask you, in the last 20 years, has there ever been anywhere near that kind of quality of movies there?
—Michael Douglas, Actor
Producer Saul Zaentz concurred, expressing that he would never remake the film but is working on a new project: a TV adaptation of Ken Kesey’s novel from the perspective of Chief Bromden, a character pivotal in the original story.
We just made an arrangement with Kesey’s family, to possibly do a television series, but it’s based on the book and the book was told through the eyes of Chief Bromden. At the end of the first series, the Jack Nicholson character would die. And then the second year would be what happens to the Chief after he escapes. That I’m ok with, but never a remake of the movie.
—Saul Zaentz, Producer
Saul Zaentz’s Upcoming Projects Focus on Social Issues and Adaptations
Zaentz also revealed his involvement in an adaptation of the off-Broadway play Backyard Desert, which follows four U.S. border agents in Arizona who encounter a dying Mexican immigrant attempting to cross the border. The story highlights the human struggles behind immigration, advocating for compassionate treatment rather than harsh and inhumane responses.
They realize these are real people escaping terrible situations who deserve to be respected, not thrown into concentration camps in the Everglades. We’re halfway through with the budget and hoping to be able to film it in October.
—Saul Zaentz, Producer
Zaentz is further developing a television adaptation of another Oscar-winning film he produced, The English Patient. While the script is praised for its beauty, he noted it currently exceeds streaming platforms’ budget constraints and that rewrites are underway to adjust the project accordingly.
It’s based on what was in the book that was not in the movie. We’re rewriting it now.
—Saul Zaentz, Producer
Michael Douglas Opens Up About His Health and Future Plans
Amid reflections on the film’s anniversary and his career, Douglas spoke candidly about his recent battle with stage 4 throat cancer. He described the difficulty of his experience while expressing gratitude for the treatment option he chose.
Stage 4 cancer is not a holiday, but there aren’t many choices, are there?,
he stated.
I went with the program, involving chemo and radiation, and was fortunate. The surgery would have meant not being able to talk and removing part of my jaw and that would have been limiting as an actor.
—Michael Douglas, Actor
Douglas confirmed he has not worked since 2022 by design, explaining that after nearly six decades in acting, he felt it necessary to prioritize his health and avoid risking sudden collapse while working. Though not officially retired, he made clear he has no plans to resume his acting career unless presented with an extraordinary project.
I have not worked since 2022 purposefully because I realized I had to stop,
he said.
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. 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 Douglas, Actor
Douglas did mention one small independent film in development, hoping to find a strong script, but concluded with a lighthearted note about his family life.
in the spirit of maintaining a good marriage,
he said, adding he was happy to play the wife to his longtime spouse Catherine Zeta-Jones for the time being.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Michael Douglas get the HPV virus?
A. When asked if he regretted his smoking and drinking habits, often linked to his illness, Douglas said he didn’t. He explained that without going into too much detail, his cancer was caused by HPV, which is actually spread through oral sex.
