It has been nearly two years since Jonathan Majors was dismissed from his role as Marvel’s Kang the Conqueror, and now, the actor is considering a superhero comeback. However, instead of seeking roles with major studios like Marvel or DC, Majors is turning his attention to a project outside the traditional superhero giants.
Majors, who had been poised to lead the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as the next major villain before his 2023 conviction on one count of misdemeanor third-degree assault and one count of second-degree harassment of his ex-girlfriend, revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that he is contemplating a new superhero role.
“[There is] no relation to the big guys, DC or Marvel, but [it’s] a pretty wicked story,” Majors stated, adding that he is “glad to be reading” the script.The actor initially appeared as Kang in “Loki” Season 2 and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” with plans for him to be the central antagonist in future Marvel films, including “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.” However, after his legal troubles, Marvel Studios decided to part ways with him, reportedly considering other actors, including Oscar nominee Colman Domingo, for the role of Kang. Ultimately, the studio shifted direction, bringing back Robert Downey Jr. to portray Doctor Doom ina newly titled “Avengers: Doomsday.
Majors recounted the moment he learned of his firing from Marvel, revealing that a legal representative informed him immediately after his trial ended. “He goes, ‘I’m just gonna tell you now,'” Majors said. “That way you’re not surprised, and you can start processing it. They fired you. Marvel fired you.”
The fallout from his conviction was severe, as Majors was dropped by his talent agency and several upcoming projects. “There were days when it was like, ‘Is this real?’ It’s a heartbreak like I’ve never experienced, and it just compounded and compounded,” he admitted.
Despite these setbacks, Majors is gradually rebuilding his career. He is set to star in Martin Villeneuve’s independent thriller “Merciless,” marking one of his first major roles post-trial. (Martin Villeneuve is the brother of acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve.) “Sometimes it feels like it’s not going to happen,” Majors said of his career resurgence. “And sometimes it feels like we start next week.”
Adding to his comeback efforts, Majors’ 2023 film “Magazine Dreams” is now set for theatrical release. Initially acquired by Searchlight Pictures following its Sundance premiere, the movie was dropped by the studio in the wake of Majors’ legal issues. However, Briarcliff Entertainment later picked up the feature, which is scheduled to hit theaters on March 21.
“[It was a] very expensive movie,” Majors said of the indie drama, in which he portrays an aspiring bodybuilder. “Not the budget, but the cost of it as an artist physically and emotionally.” Reports surfaced regarding his alleged erratic and violent behavior on set, though his legal team argued that it was part of his “method acting” approach.
In a recent interview with TMZ, Majors expressed hope for a career revival and did not rule out the possibility of reprising his role as Kang if given the chance. “Hell yeah! Hell yeah! I love him. I love Kang,” Majors enthused. “If that’s what the fans want, and that’s what Marvel wants, then let’s roll. Hell yeah.
While his future in the MCU remains uncertain, Majors acknowledged his disappointment about being excluded from Marvel’s new plans. “I’m heartbroken, of course,” he said. “I love Kang. Doctor Doom is wicked, though.
As Majors navigates his path forward, his willingness to explore independent superhero projects could mark the next phase of his career, redefining his place in the entertainment industry outside the mainstream studio system.
