The jury found Majors guilty of reckless assault and harassment in the third degree after a two-week trial related to a March incident involving his ex-partner, Grace Jabbari.
Prior to the legal troubles, Majors held a pivotal role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Known for portraying Kang the Conqueror, the time-traveling villain featured in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and both seasons of “Loki.” He was set to lead in the upcoming film “Avengers:
The Kang Dynasty,” scheduled for May 1, 2026. However, the movie is still in the script phase, with no attached director.
Marvel Studios now faces a decision – whether to recast Majors’ role or to redesign its plans and introduce a new villain.
Reports suggest that Marvel has already taken steps towards the latter option, hiring Loki creator Michael Waldron to work on a new draft referred to as “Avengers 5.”
While Marvel has recast roles in the past due to creative and financial disputes, Majors’ departure marks the first instance due to legal issues.
The studio has had time to strategize for such possibilities, and there are indications of a course correction.
Jonathan Majors, once considered a rising star in Hollywood, had roles in notable films such as “Creed III” and gained prominence with “The Last Black Man in San Francisco,” “Devotion,” “Lovecraft Country,” “The Harder They Fall,” and “Da 5 Bloods.” However, his legal troubles have impacted his career, leading to his removal from the film “Magazine Dreams.”
The actor’s arrest on March 25, following a 911 call reporting his ex-partner unconscious, marked the beginning of a challenging period.
Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, Majors faced consequences, with his PR firm and managers parting ways. While still represented by WME, his future in the industry remains uncertain in light of the verdict.
The outcome of this legal situation has not only affected Majors’ personal life but has also prompted Marvel Studios to reconsider its cinematic universe plans. As the studio navigates this unexpected development, the fate of “Avengers 5” hangs in the balance.
