Jonathan Majors remains hopeful about returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) despite the controversies that derailed his rising career. The actor, currently promoting his upcoming film Magazine Dreams, expressed unwavering enthusiasm about reprising his role as Kang the Conqueror if Marvel ever extended the offer again. Speaking to USA Today, Majors admitted he would say yes "in a heartbeat" and fondly recalled his time working with Marvel stars like Tom Hiddleston, Paul Rudd, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. He emphasized his enduring love for the industry and the people he collaborated with at Marvel Studios and Disney.
His statement comes after a turbulent year marked by both personal and professional setbacks. In December 2023, a Manhattan jury found him guilty of one count of misdemeanor third-degree assault and second-degree harassment following allegations of domestic abuse involving his then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. While he avoided jail time, Majors was sentenced to probation and required to complete a 52-week intervention program focused on addressing issues like anger management and accountability.
The fallout was swift and severe. Marvel Studios, once positioning Majors as the next major villain in the MCU, severed ties with the actor shortly after the verdict. He was dropped from all future projects, including the highly anticipated next two Avengers films, where Kang the Conqueror was set to play a pivotal role. One of those films, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, even carried his character's name in the title. However, with Majors' departure, Marvel decided to pivot, reportedly replacing Kang with the iconic villain Dr. Doom — signaling a significant shake-up in the MCU’s long-term plans.
Industry experts noted that Marvel’s decision wasn’t just about optics but also about the studio’s growing need to rejuvenate its storylines after a string of underwhelming box office performances in recent phases. Kang was initially introduced as a multiversal threat in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, with his variants scattered across timelines, setting him up as the next Thanos-like figure. Majors’ compelling performance even earned praise from critics, who saw his portrayal as a rare bright spot in an otherwise divisive film.
For Majors, the abrupt fall from grace has been a painful, public reckoning. His talent was once hailed as a game-changer, with roles in acclaimed projects like Lovecraft Country, The Last Black Man in San Francisco, and Creed III showcasing his versatility and charisma. The actor acknowledged the impact of the scandal but remained resolute, hinting that he’s focused on moving forward and proving himself once again — both to the industry and his fans.
“I love this business. I love the craft. I’ve given everything to it, and I’m not done,” Majors said, reflecting on his future. "It’s about the work — that’s what matters in the end."
Whether Marvel Studios or other major franchises will welcome him back remains uncertain. In the meantime, Majors continues to focus on Magazine Dreams, where he portrays a troubled bodybuilder chasing his dream of fame while battling emotional and physical turmoil — a performance that some critics are calling eerily reflective of his real-life journey.
