In a surprising turn of events, Jonathan Majors, renowned for his role as He Who Remains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)’s Phases 4 through 6, has been found guilty of reckless assault and harassment in his domestic violence trial by a six-person NYC jury. This verdict has severe consequences for Majors, as Marvel Studios has decided not to move forward with him in the MCU. The studio confirmed this decision, effectively ending Majors’ tenure and the future trajectory of his character, Kang the Conqueror.
Jonathan Majors had been establishing himself as a rising star in Hollywood, with notable performances in projects like “Loki” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.” His portrayal of He Who Remains garnered praise and made him a highly anticipated figure for the MCU’s Phase 5 and 6. However, the recent verdict has not only dashed Marvel’s plans of expanding the character but also put Majors’ burgeoning career in jeopardy.
With Marvel Studios opting not to move forward with Jonathan Majors, the future of the character Kang the Conqueror hangs in the balance. Marvel may decide to recast the role with another actor or reimagine the character altogether. The departure of director Destin Daniel Cretton from the planned movie “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” added further uncertainty to the situation. Writer Michael Waldron, known for his work on “Loki,” has been brought in to provide a fresh take on the Avengers movies, given the circumstances surrounding Majors’ exit.
A History of Recasting
The recasting of actors in specific roles is not unprecedented in the MCU. Terrence Howard, initially cast as Rhodey in “Iron Man,” was replaced by Don Cheadle due to contract disputes. Cheadle has since portrayed the character throughout the MCU, including the recent Disney+ series “Secret Invasion.” Marvel has previously navigated such changes, and it remains to be seen if they can successfully navigate the departure of Jonathan Majors without jeopardizing the continuity of the character Kang the Conqueror.
Jonathan Majors’ legal troubles have had far-reaching consequences beyond his role in the MCU. Following his arrest in March, he faced professional repercussions, such as being fired by his manager, 360 Entertainment, and publicist, The Lede Company. These actions severed his ties to numerous projects, including the adaptation of the Walter Mosley novel, “The Man in My Basement,” and an ad campaign for the Texas Rangers MLB team. Additionally, an unannounced biopic on Otis Redding, which Majors was circling, was also affected by his departure.
The Cancellation of Majors’ Acclaimed Project
Before his legal troubles, Jonathan Majors was on track for a successful 2023. He had garnered rave reviews for his performance in the Sundance drama “Magazine Dreams” and was set for a theatrical release and potential awards season run. However, the Disney-owned label Searchlight pulled the movie from the theatrical schedule in October, leaving its fate and potential streaming release on Hulu uncertain. This notable setback further compounds the challenges Majors now faces in his career.
Amidst the turbulence surrounding Jonathan Majors’ departure from the MCU and the legal issues he faces, it is important to recognize the broader significance of his inclusion as a Black actor in a prominent role. Majors’ portrayal of Kang the Conqueror broke barriers and brought much-needed diversity to the superhero genre. While his exit is undoubtedly disappointing, his groundbreaking performance remains a milestone for representation in the MCU.