Yuki Iwamura/AP
Jonathan Majors arrives in court on December 4, 2023 in New York.
CNN –
Actor Jonathan Majors was on the verge of becoming one of Hollywood's A-list stars. The 34-year-old would likely have been up for an Oscar for his role as a bodybuilder in the Sundance hit “Magazine Dreams” and was preparing to produce a role that would have made him a household name: Marvel's “Avengers.” The Kang Dynasty.”
Instead, the star of “Creed III” and “Lovecraft Country” awaits a verdict as a New York jury deliberates his fate on domestic violence charges. Majors denies all allegations and has pleaded not guilty.
“The trial, regardless of the verdict, shed some light,” a studio executive told CNN. “What emerged is problematic for him, especially for a brand like Marvel or Disney – at least in the short term.”
Regardless of the outcome of the process, the entertainment industry is an industry that relies heavily on image and public persona. Before his legal troubles, Majors was primed to become one of Hollywood's next big leading men. Disney cast him in the role of the villain “Kang,” making him the face of a franchise that will make billions.
Now Disney must grapple with the decision of whether or not to release him.
Hollywood loves a comeback story, but in light of the troubling harassment and assault allegations against ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari, the majors' career prospects are now in question.
After his arrest there were violent consequences. The U.S. Army announced it was halting an advertising campaign featuring Majors and the actor was fired from his publicist and management company, CNN confirmed. Majors remains on talent agency WME's roster, but that relationship could soon unravel, CNN has learned.
The agency is taking a wait-and-see approach, watching the process closely and awaiting Marvel's final decision on the Majors' decision.
“If Marvel drops him, that would be a major indicator of his future,” an agency source told CNN. “If he's found guilty… there's nothing to defend.”
CNN has reached out to Disney and WME for comment.