Jonathan Majors grew to become finest identified for portraying Kang the Conqueror within the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his Emmy-nominated efficiency in Lovecraft Nation earlier than his blossoming profession got here to a halt after a 2023 conviction for misdemeanor assault and harassment in opposition to his ex-partner, Grace Jabbari. Majors, who pleaded not responsible to all expenses and was acquitted on different counts, now faces an uphill battle for a comeback. In a current cowl story for The Hollywood Reporter, Majors and different trade insiders interviewed focus on that chance. Majors has an upcoming challenge popping out later this month, Journal Desires, and its reception ought to point out how possible a comeback is for the actor.
Journal Desires facilities on an beginner bodybuilder (portrayed by Majors) who goals of creating it massive in skilled weightlifting competitions. Directed by Elijah Bynum, it premiered at Sundance 2023 to important acclaim, with a lot reward for Majors’ efficiency. The movie was set for launch however was later shelved following Majors’ authorized troubles. Final yr, Briarcliff Leisure picked up the film, which can now premiere in 800 theaters on Friday, March 21. In line with one unnamed casting director interviewed, this marks a career-making second for Majors.
“If [Magazine Dreams] comes out and it is a big hit, then all people reassesses. Possibly not on the studios, perhaps not at public corporations, however impartial folks. You have a look at a man like Jonathan Majors, is he proficient? Completely. However is there any individual else who can fill the invoice? Most likely. There are a number of actually proficient folks on the market, and there are fewer and fewer initiatives, so, except a really small echelon, persons are replaceable.”
The casting director additionally provides that as Majors is a Black man, he’s held to a special normal than his white counterparts (THR makes notice of home violence allegations in opposition to Mel Gibson, Christian Slater, and Josh Brolin):
“Like different marginalized folks, you recognize it’s important to be in higher habits.”
Majors, nevertheless, feels that it does him no good to check his therapy versus that of white actors and filmmakers with comparable histories:
“My journey is my journey, and it does not profit me to check.”
Will Audiences Welcome Again Jonathan Majors?
Within the function, titled “Second of Reality,” a number of actors voice their protection of Majors’ comeback. Amongst them are Whoopi Goldberg, who labored with him within the 2017 miniseries When We Rise, who feels that Majors “did what he was speculated to do,” Matthew McConaughey, who says Majors is somebody “who’s repeatedly striving to enhance as a human, a person and an actor,” and Michael B. Jordan who would like to work with Majors once more. On the opposing finish, certainly one of Majors’ ex-girlfriends, Maura Hooper, questions whether or not the actor has modified, and says she does not “see redemption occurring right here.”
Whereas Majors might face a frightening job of trying a return to Hollywood, it does not appear inconceivable. Even because the allegations in opposition to him surfaced, there was a combined response from audiences, which may play in his favor. In line with Briarcliff CEO, Tom Ortenberg, “persons are rooting for Jonathan.” So, does Majors (who’s already having conferences for doable future initiatives) suppose a comeback is looming?
“Typically it feels prefer it’s not going to occur. And typically it appears like we begin subsequent week.”
Journal Desires will lastly premiere for basic audiences on Friday, March 21.
Supply: The Hollywood Reporter
Journal Desires
- Launch Date
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March 21, 2025
- Runtime
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124 minutes
- Director
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Elijah Bynum
- Writers
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Elijah Bynum
- Producers
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Dan Gilroy, Jennifer Fox, Simon Horsman, Jonathan Majors, Jeffrey Soros, Andrew Blau