In a major shake-up, Disney-owned Marvel Studios has severed ties with rising star Jonathan Majors following his recent conviction for assault and harassment. The actor, known for portraying Kang the Conqueror in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “Loki,” faced a Manhattan jury’s verdict of misdemeanor assault. Majors, who was set to play the time-traveling supervillain in future Marvel projects, including “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” and “Avengers: Secret Wars,” now finds his career at a crossroads.
The decision to drop Majors raises questions about the fate of Kang the Conqueror’s character in Marvel’s cinematic universe. Industry insiders speculate on whether Marvel will recast the role or opt for a storyline adjustment. The conviction has left a stain on Majors’ professional image, with industry figures suggesting that the actor’s career may be irreparably damaged.
Disney had previously put another film starring Majors, “Magazine Dreams,” on hold after the actor’s arrest in March. The entertainment giant has distanced itself from Majors, with publicists, management, and talent agency CAA parting ways with the actor before the trial. The fallout from Majors’ legal troubles is believed to have contributed to the lackluster box office performance of “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.”
Despite the challenges posed by Majors’ situation, insiders suggest that Disney’s focus should extend beyond individual actors, emphasizing the need to rekindle Marvel’s box office success. The recent underperformance of “The Marvels” adds to the studio’s concerns, requiring strategic efforts to revitalize the Marvel franchise.
Disney CEO Bob Iger faces the task of navigating Marvel through a turbulent period, and insiders express confidence that the entertainment giant will weather the storm despite the setback caused by Majors’ exit.
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