In a significant turn of events, actor Jonathan Majors, previously hailed as a rising star in Hollywood, has been ousted from Marvel Studios. This development follows a Manhattan jury’s guilty verdict on Dec. 18 for reckless assault in the third degree and harassment. The charges stemmed from a March incident involving Majors and his ex-partner, Grace Jabbari.
The Fall of a Rising Star
Majors was on track to become a central figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), playing the role of Kang the Conqueror, a time-traveling villain pivotal to Marvel’s current storyline. His character featured in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” both seasons of “Loki,” and was set to lead in the highly anticipated “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty,” scheduled for May 1, 2026. However, his arrest in March has led to a drastic change in his career trajectory.
Marvel’s Dilemma
Marvel now faces a critical decision. The studio could recast Kang, although it is uncertain how many actors would be keen to take on a role marked by such controversy. Alternatively, Marvel could shift its focus to a new villain. Sources reveal that Marvel had already begun this transition by hiring “Loki” creator Michael Waldron for a new draft of what was initially “Kang Dynasty,” now tentatively titled “Avengers 5.”
Precedent for Recasting
Marvel has a history of recasting roles due to creative and financial disagreements. Notable examples include Terrence Howard being replaced by Don Cheadle as James Rhodes and Edward Norton by Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk. More recently, Harrison Ford took over the late William Hurt’s role as Thunderbolt Ross in “Captain America: New World Order.”
Majors’ Rapid Rise and Fall
Jonathan Majors quickly rose to prominence with roles in “The Last Black Man in San Francisco,” “Lovecraft Country,” and “The Harder They Fall.” His performance in “Creed III” in 2023 and the Sundance-favored “Magazine Dreams” were seen as career milestones. However, following his legal issues, his participation in future projects remains uncertain.
The Incident and Aftermath
Majors was arrested on March 25 after reporting to 911 about finding Jabbari unconscious in their New York apartment. Jabbari was found with physical injuries. Majors pled not guilty to all charges. In light of the verdict, Majors has lost representation from PR firm The Lede Company and Entertainment 360, though he is still with WME for now.
gfpods.com 
Leave a comment