“You expressed a desire to have a conversation, so let’s go ahead and talk.” Jonathan Majors is known for his courteous and emotional demeanor, as well as his thoughtful and deliberate approach when discussing personal and professional matters. He has a wealth of insights to share about the turbulent past two years.
The premiere of “Magazine Dreams” at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2023 marked a peak in Majors’ career. Fresh from his role in the war drama “Devotion,” he had significant projects lined up, including roles in “Creed III” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” where he portrayed Marvel’s prominent new villain Kang the Conqueror. The indie character study “Magazine Dreams,” featuring Majors as an ambitious and increasingly troubled bodybuilder, seemed poised for an Oscar campaign.
However, everything took a turn for the worse. In March 2023, Majors was arrested following an alleged domestic violence incident involving his then-girlfriend Grace Jabbari. Nine months later, he was found guilty by a Manhattan jury on charges of misdemeanor assault and harassment violation. In April 2024, he was sentenced to a year-long counseling program and an order of protection was issued for Jabbari. The fallout saw “Magazine Dreams” shelved, Majors fired from Marvel, roles disappearing, and his career left in uncertainty.
As “Magazine Dreams” hits theaters this weekend, Majors, 35, takes on the role of Killian Maddox, a socially awkward aspiring bodybuilder whose quest for recognition leads him down a dark and violent path. Reflecting on the film, Majors shares, “Looking back, the scenes of him attempting to connect resonate with me more vividly now, as I comprehend the importance of that need in my own life.”
Regarding his career’s trajectory, Majors states, “Like Killian, all I can do is dream, hope, and strategize for the future. I’m endeavoring to become the best version of myself in this next chapter, rather than just portraying a compelling character in an intriguing manner.”
In a pre-audio revelation interview, Majors discusses “Magazine Dreams,” his support system, and the personal growth he has undergone since his legal troubles began. Edited and condensed for clarity, the discussion sheds light on his journey and outlook.
Jonathan Majors is photographed at the Paramount Theater in Charlottesville, Va., during the 2022 Virginia Film Festival.
Q: What significance does the release of “Magazine Dreams” hold at this moment, and how does it reshape your perspective on your career?
Jonathan Majors: I appreciate the positive outlook. The film has a life of its own, and I play a significant role in that. From a career standpoint, it would have been exciting to see it released during the peak of my momentum, which was not the case due to personal circumstances causing a pause. The industry and the country are now at a different
Getting closer to a point where I can engage with the film on a level that truly respects its depths has been a goal of mine. In a previous conversation, you mentioned that embodying a fictional character requires drawing from imagination and tapping into aspects of one’s own experiences. I’m intrigued by your process in portraying Killian. Did it involve working through personal traumas and darker moments from your past?
Definitely. As an actor, I draw upon all parts of myself, delving into uncharted territories within my own psyche. While embodying Killian, I found myself confronting buried childhood traumas, including experiences of sexual assault during my youth that are only now being addressed by myself and my family. Our life experiences inevitably shape us, and I realized that certain emotions and struggles within me were surfacing for a reason. Through training and personal growth, I began to comprehend these deeper layers of my being.
The film touches on themes of self-reflection, particularly within the bodybuilding world where appearances hold significant weight. Killian, much like myself, is driven by an inner child seeking protection and validation. This quest for self-preservation can be isolating, as we navigate the complexities of our past traumas.
Reflecting on the past two years, I’ve undergone significant personal growth. I used to operate with a sense of detachment and self-reliance, but I’ve come to understand the value of connection and support. Through relationships with loved ones like my fiancée, Meagan Good, and close friends, I’ve learned the importance of embracing all aspects of myself in order to achieve wholeness. While I’m still on a journey towards completeness, I’ve gained a newfound appreciation for the power of community and self-acceptance.
Having allies such as Michael B. Jordan and Matthew McConaughey in my corner has been invaluable. Their recognition and support have bolstered my confidence and reaffirmed my dedication to personal growth. It’s humbling to be embraced by individuals who appreciate the complexities of human experience and are willing to stand by me as I navigate my path forward in the industry.
The journey towards self-discovery and acceptance continues, and I am grateful for the guidance and encouragement of those who have supported me along the way.
When someone says, “Work on that,” it truly means a lot to me. What do you envision for the next chapter of your career? If Marvel were to call tomorrow and offer you the role of Kang again, would you accept? Absolutely, without a doubt. I have a deep admiration for Disney, Marvel Studios, and the talented individuals I’ve had the privilege to work with, such as Tom Hiddleston, Paul Rudd, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. I have a great love for the industry and feel fortunate to receive and reciprocate that love. For a long time, my mindset was focused on earning validation through my work, similar to how Killian operated: “If I excel at this, then you will appreciate me.” It’s been a journey to reach a point where I can now confidently give my all as a character on screen and as myself off set, while still maintaining my commitment to preparation and focus. My confidence lies not just in my talent but in myself, a realization I’ve been nurturing for the past two years.
You have mentioned your dedication to acting and art in the past. Is your passion still as intense as before, or has it evolved? I appreciate you highlighting the aspect of change. Looking back at the past few years, I believe I have evolved and grown significantly. My commitment to acting and art hasn’t diminished; it has only deepened. I have dedicated my life to this craft, and I return to it now with a deeper understanding and a stronger drive. The challenges posed by embodying the character of Killian Maddox in “Magazine Dreams” necessitated personal growth, and I aim to carry this newfound wisdom forward in my career for the next two decades. My passion to create, illuminate, and offer healing through my work has only intensified, fueled by a desire to make a meaningful impact.
This interview was originally featured on USA TODAY: Jonathan Majors discusses themes of sexual abuse, his experience with Marvel, and the film “Magazine Dreams.”
