In an interesting turn of events that turned the excitement level on this seemingly average Monday up to 11, Marvel.com has announced that Michael Douglas will play Hank Pym in Edgar Wright’s ‘Ant-Man’. According to the press release, the iconic actor from such films as ‘Wall Street’, ‘Basic Instinct’, ‘Fatal Attraction’, and ‘Wonder Boys’ will be taking on the role of the size-shifting Scientist Supreme in the upcoming Phase Three film.

Previously, Paul Rudd joined the production as Ant-Man, but then rumors resurfaced hinting at the involvement of two characters taking up the mantle. Now, it has been confirmed that Rudd will be playing Scott Lang, leaving the two-time Academy Award-winning actor to play Pym.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige expressed his excitement for having such an esteemed actor stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe:

“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. 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.”

The most interesting bit about this news is how much older they’re making Pym in the films. Not to say that Douglas can’t hang with the young guns of Hollywood, because he showed that he still got it in the HBO original film ‘Behind The Candelabra’ as Liberace. It just raises the question of what other elements of Pym’s origin they’re changing. For instance, what are they going for with Janet Van Dyne? Will the Wasp be teaming up with Lang’s Ant-Man or will she continue to stay by Pym’s side? Now that we have our leading men, chances are that the leading ladies aren’t too far behind, so hopefully we get these answers sooner rather than later.

What do you think about Michael Douglas playing Hank Pym in ‘Ant-Man’? Are you excited to see the legendary actor join the ranks of the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Sound off in the comments below.

‘Ant-Man’ is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 31, 2015.