by I am 25-year-old movie blogger passionate about the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the entertainment industry.
Jonathan Majors Officially Dropped by Marvel Studios After Guilty Verdict
In a shocking yet expected move, Marvel Studios has officially cut ties with actor Jonathan Majors following his conviction on charges of assault and harassment. As someone who’s grown up on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this feels like a turning point—not just for the franchise, but for how Hollywood handles legal controversies involving its stars.
Majors, who had been cast as Kang the Conqueror, the MCU’s next major villain, will no longer be moving forward with Marvel. This decision comes after a high-profile two-week trial and an eight-month-long legal saga that dominated headlines. The implications for the MCU are massive, considering that Kang was positioned as the centerpiece of Marvel’s Multiverse Saga.
So, what does this mean for Marvel? What happens to Kang Dynasty? And where does Jonathan Majors go from here? Let’s break it down.
The Court Verdict: What Jonathan Majors Was Convicted Of
On August 26, 2024, Jonathan Majors was found guilty on two charges related to a March 2023 domestic violence incident involving his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabari. Specifically:
Guilty of misdemeanor assault in the third degree.
Guilty of harassment in the second degree.
However, the jury found Majors not guilty on two other charges: intentional third-degree assault and aggravated second-degree harassment.
During the trial, Jabari testified that a heated altercation took place in the back of a vehicle after she confronted Majors about a text from another woman. She alleged that Majors physically harmed her, resulting in a head injury and a finger wound. Majors, through his legal team, denied intentionally hurting her but was still convicted on charges that suggest reckless harm.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 2025. He faces up to one year in jail, probation, or other penalties depending on the judge’s ruling.
Disney and Marvel’s Decision: Cutting Ties Immediately
Following the guilty verdict, Disney has made it clear—they will not continue working with Jonathan Majors in any MCU capacity moving forward. A source confirmed this decision to MovieMaker, although Disney has not issued a formal public statement as of this writing.
This isn’t a sudden decision. Ever since Majors’ arrest in March 2023, rumors have been swirling about Marvel’s potential recasting of Kang or even scrapping the character altogether. Now, with a conviction on the books, Disney had little choice. The brand image, especially under the family-friendly Marvel umbrella, could not survive such controversy.
Who Is Jonathan Majors and Why This News Matters So Much
Jonathan Majors isn’t just any actor. Before entering the MCU, he had built a respected resume with roles in
- The Last Black Man in San Francisco
- Lovecraft Country (HBO)
- Magazine Dreams (Sundance hit)
His role as Kang the Conqueror was supposed to be his breakout into superstardom. He appeared in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) and also had a cameo as He Who Remains in the Disney+ hit Loki.
Marvel had big plans for him, casting him as the next “Thanos-level” threat across multiple upcoming projects, including:
- Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (2026)
- Avengers: Secret Wars (2027)
- And possibly multiple appearances across future Marvel shows and spin-offs
Now, all of that is scrapped.
What Happens to Kang the Conqueror Now?
With Majors out, Marvel has a few major decisions to make—and fast:
1. Recast Kang
This is the most likely scenario. The multiverse storyline gives Marvel a creative out to simply recast the character with a different actor (think variants). It wouldn’t be the first time Marvel has done this—remember when Don Cheadle replaced Terrence Howard as War Machine?
Some rumored names include:
- John Boyega
- Yahya Abdul-Mateen
- Aldis Hodge
But recasting isn’t without risk. Fans already associate Majors with Kang, and retconning his appearances could create backlash or confusion.
2. Change the MCU’s Big Bad
Some fans believe Marvel may pivot away from Kang entirely, especially since Quantumania didn’t perform well at the box office. Alternatives include:
- Doctor Doom: Long overdue in the MCU, especially with Fantastic Four approaching
- The Beyonder: Perfect for multiverse chaos in Secret Wars
- Galactus: A cosmic threat with fan recognition
Switching villains would require heavy script changes, but Marvel has done it before—and sometimes, change is necessary.
3. Delay or Cancel Projects
Marvel could slow down production and rethink their strategy. Avengers: Kang Dynasty already faced delays and might now be restructured under a different title or with a completely new plot focus.
What Fans Are Saying Online
As a fan myself, I’ve been reading comments on Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Marvel forums all day. The reactions are mixed:
- Some support Marvel’s decision, praising them for taking a stand.
- Others are frustrated, saying this destroys the MCU’s long-term storyline.
- Many are just confused—asking whether Kang still matters or if everything is being reset.
What’s clear is that fans are emotionally invested, and Marvel can’t afford to get this next move wrong. The post-Endgame era hasn’t been as consistent, and this controversy only adds to the studio’s mounting pressure.
How Hollywood Is Reacting
This isn’t just a Marvel story—it’s a Hollywood story. Majors was considered a rising star. His conviction could:
- Cost him other roles (several indie film deals are rumored to be in jeopardy)
- Impact awards campaigns (Magazine Dreams was once seen as an Oscar contender)
- Reinforce Hollywood’s evolving stance on accountability and public image
Studios are under more scrutiny than ever to make decisions that reflect social values. Disney cutting ties with Majors sends a strong message—but it also sets a precedent others will likely follow.
Jonathan Majors’ Future: Is There a Comeback Possible?
It’s too early to predict Majors’ long-term future, but realistically, a comeback won’t be easy. Even if he avoids jail time, a conviction—even on misdemeanor charges—will haunt his reputation for years.
Majors’ team has already stated that he maintains his innocence and plans to appeal or further defend his name legally. But for now, the damage is done in the court of public opinion—and in the court of Hollywood studios.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for the MCU
As a 25-year-old Marvel fan who’s followed this franchise from the early Iron Man days, this whole situation feels surreal. Just a year ago, Jonathan Majors was hyped as the next great MCU villain. Now, he’s out—and Marvel has to pick up the pieces.
But I also believe this could be a turning point for better storytelling. Maybe Marvel needed this shake-up to reset its creative direction. Whether they recast Kang or introduce a new villain, I hope the studio refocuses on compelling characters, emotional stakes, and connected storylines—something that made Phases 1-3 so unforgettable.
What happens next will define Marvel’s future. And as a fan, I’ll be watching every step of the way.
