Paul Rudd is finally opening up about growing older, despite spending years as the internet's favourite example of someone who never seems to age. While fans continue to marvel at his seemingly timeless appearance, the actor insists the reality is far less extraordinary than the myth. Now, ahead of the release of Power Ballad, Rudd is pulling back the curtain on the Hollywood image that has followed him for more than three decades.

During a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Rudd addressed the internet's long-running obsession with his seemingly age-defying appearance, a reputation that only grew stronger after his Marvel transformation for Ant-Man. While fans have spent years searching for the secret behind his youthful looks, the actor insisted there isn't one. Instead, Rudd hilariously brushed aside the myth, joking that he is "a withering 80-year-old man on the inside" and is simply "catching up on the outside too."

"I'm a withering 80-year-old man on the inside," he jokes, "and I'm catching up on the outside, too."⁠ Rudd told The Hollywood Reporter.

Of course, much of that ageless reputation can be traced back to Rudd's decade-long run as Scott Lang, better known as Ant-Man, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. First joining the franchise in 2015, the actor brought his signature blend of humour, charm, and everyman relatability to the role, transforming a former petty thief into one of the MCU's most unlikely heroes. Across Ant-Man, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Endgame, and Ant-Man and the Wasp, Rudd became a fan favourite, with Scott Lang's quick wit and heart often standing out among Marvel's larger-than-life superheroes.

While Marvel fans await his return as Scott Lang, Rudd is trading the Quantum Realm for the music industry in his next big-screen outing, Power Ballad.

Power Ballad gives Rudd one of his most personal roles yet

In Power Ballad, Rudd steps away from superheroes and lovable everymen to play Rick Power, a talented but overlooked musician who never achieved the rock-star success he once dreamed of. Living a modest life in Ireland as the frontman of a wedding band, Rick's world is turned upside down when he shares an unfinished song with struggling pop star Danny Wilson, played by Nick Jonas. What begins as an unlikely friendship quickly spirals into a battle over artistic ownership after the track becomes a global hit without Rick receiving any credit.

Directed by Once and Sing Street filmmaker John Carney, the musical comedy-drama pairs Rudd and Jonas in a story about ambition, regret, and second chances. The film also stars Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Jack Reynor, and Havana Rose Liu, while exploring the often unforgiving realities of the music industry. For Rudd, the role marks a rare opportunity to showcase a more vulnerable and wistful side of himself, one that closely mirrors many of the reflections he shared during his recent interview.

And while the internet may continue debating how Paul Rudd seemingly refuses to age, the actor appears far more focused on chasing meaningful stories than preserving a Hollywood myth.

What are your thoughts on Paul Rudd's candid comments about aging and his upcoming role in Power Ballad? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Lisa Roy

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui