Marvel Studios has officially cut ties with actor Jonathan Majors after a New York jury found him guilty of reckless assault and harassment of his ex-girlfriend. The studio confirmed the firing, leaving fans and industry insiders wondering about the future of Majors’ projects within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Majors, known for his roles in “Lovecraft Country” and “Creed III,” had recently portrayed various versions of Kang the Conqueror in the Disney+ series “Loki” and the upcoming film “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.” However, Marvel executives are reportedly exploring alternative plans, potentially introducing supervillain Dr. Doom as the leading antagonist.
Majors’ Promising Career Takes a Downturn
Jonathan Majors, a Yale School of Drama graduate, had been on a trajectory towards stardom in Hollywood. His role in the critically acclaimed series “Lovecraft Country” and his upcoming appearances in the MCU had positioned him as a rising talent. However, in late March, his career hit a snag when he was arrested and charged in connection with a domestic dispute involving his former girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. Shortly thereafter, Majors’ public relations firm and talent management company severed ties with him, casting doubt on his future projects.
The Trial and Conviction
Majors maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings, pleading not guilty to the charges. The trial began this month and ultimately resulted in a guilty verdict on two misdemeanor counts of reckless assault and harassment. However, the jury acquitted Majors of a different assault charge and aggravated assault, which required prosecutors to prove intent.
Marvel’s Response and the Future of Kang the Conqueror
Marvel Studios wasted no time in severing ties with Jonathan Majors following his conviction. While the studio has not provided further comment on the matter, it is clear that Majors’ portrayal of Kang the Conqueror, a complex and powerful character, will be impacted. The Marvel series had been building up Kang as the next main villain, with an upcoming film titled “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” set for release in 2026. However, Variety reported earlier this month that Marvel executives have been discussing the possibility of introducing a backup plan, potentially pivoting to another supervillain like Dr. Doom.
Sentencing and Possible Consequences
Jonathan Majors is currently awaiting sentencing, scheduled for February 6. According to multiple reports, he could face up to a year in prison for the misdemeanor charges. His lawyer, Priya Chaudhry, issued a statement expressing Majors’ faith in the legal process and his determination to clear his name fully.
