The last time Jonathan Majors participated in a series of press interviews was in late February 2023. At that time, he was hailed as one of Hollywood's fastest-rising stars, celebrated for his role as Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel blockbuster “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”, which was released just before Michael B. Jordan's acclaimed boxing movie “Creed III”. However, his rapid ascent was abruptly halted a month later when he was arrested following an alleged altercation with his then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. This incident led to a highly publicized criminal trial, where Majors was convicted of two misdemeanor counts of harassment and assault, resulting in a significant downturn in his career.
Following the conviction, Majors faced severe repercussions; Marvel Studios terminated his contract, effectively scrapping his character's extensive multi-picture arc. Additionally, numerous film projects, including a much-anticipated Dennis Rodman biopic and a collaboration with acclaimed director Spike Lee, were shelved. The film “Magazine Dreams”, which had initially generated considerable awards buzz after its premiere at Sundance, was dropped by its distributor, Searchlight Pictures. It appeared that Hollywood had closed its doors on Majors.
Fast forward two years, and “Magazine Dreams” is set to hit theaters once again, thanks to Briarcliff Entertainment, the indie distributor behind “The Apprentice”, which acquired the project last year. The film is scheduled to open this Friday, marking a significant moment for Majors as he seeks to reclaim his position in the industry. Despite his denial of ever being physically abusive, an audio recording released by Rolling Stone shortly before this interview raises questions about his past. In the leaked clip, Majors acknowledges having been “aggressive” with Jabbari during a previous incident, leading to speculation about how this revelation may affect his attempts at a comeback.
In this interview, the Jonathan Majors present appears notably different from the one who once basked in the glow of Hollywood stardom. Physically smaller, having shed the weight he gained for his roles in “Creed III” and “Magazine Dreams”, he now sports a new tattoo that reads “Rebirth” in cursive on his neck. Majors explains that this tattoo represents a conscious decision made after his trial, a symbol of his journey and reflections on what lies ahead. “I had to sit back and go, ‘OK, what are you gonna do now? Are you gonna keep going? And how you gonna keep going?’” he recalls, emphasizing his commitment to learning and growing from his experiences.
When asked about the nature of this “rebirth,” Majors reflects deeply on his identity both as an actor and as a man. “When we’re reborn, you’re nothing, you know? You’re empty. You’re only full of potential,” he explains. He notes that this journey back to learning is essential and believes that the rebirth he seeks is about connecting with his true self and embracing the lessons learned from his past.
Majors candidly discusses the impact of his trial on his career and public perception, acknowledging that some may be reluctant to support him after the conviction. “Everyone has their choice, you know? If you don’t want to see the movies, then don’t see the movies. And it’s all love,” he states, highlighting his understanding of the complexities surrounding the audience's response to his work.
Regarding his role in “Magazine Dreams”, he shares how his relationship with the character, Killian, has evolved. Initially viewing it as a formidable challenge, Majors had to keep the experience alive within him during the film's extended hiatus. “When Briarcliff brought it back up, that was a moment where I was like, ‘Oh, there’s hope,’” he reflects. He believes the film serves as a poignant love letter to humanity, exploring the complexities of human experience, including the struggles and mistakes that define us.
Majors discusses the film's depiction of violence, both against Killian and by him, acknowledging that such themes might resonate differently with audiences given his recent controversies. “Art in the eyes of the beholder, and how they perceive it, that’s the gift that they have,” he states, emphasizing the subjective nature of art and its reception.
Having previously addressed the topic of masculinity in his roles, Majors reflects on what “Magazine Dreams” communicates about this theme. He asserts that while there is nothing inherently wrong with masculinity, it becomes problematic when it turns toxic. “The main culprit is loneliness,” he suggests, arguing that isolation can lead to destructive behaviors. He contrasts this with his own journey of reconnecting with his heart and the importance of positive masculinity, which fosters understanding and gentleness.
As Majors navigates this challenging period, he acknowledges the support he has received from various individuals, including Meagan Good, Whoopi Goldberg, Michael B. Jordan, Will Smith, and Tyler Perry. While he emphasizes that their support is not about job offers, it is about connection and community during difficult times. “When someone falls, the first thing people do is run away, and the one thing that person needs is people to run to them,” he explains, shedding light on the complexities of navigating scandal in the entertainment industry.
Majors is currently in pre-production for a new project titled “Merciless”, where he portrays a retired CIA agent facing supernatural challenges. He expresses gratitude for the team assembled for the film and is focused on rebuilding his career with those who support him. When asked about his departure from Marvel, he shares that he reached out to Kevin Feige through a letter, expressing his appreciation for his time with the company and acknowledging the circumstances surrounding his exit.
As he contemplates his future in Hollywood, Majors is optimistic yet realistic about the challenges ahead. He reflects on his desire to tell stories that resonate, stating, “I want to make art. I want to change perspectives and help people through my art.” With a commitment to personal growth, he concludes, “My actor outran my human being. I’ve gotta get my human being to catch up.” This journey of balancing his professional aspirations with personal growth defines Majors’ current path as he seeks to navigate the complexities of redemption in Hollywood.
