Jonathan Majors to Star in Independent Film "Merciless" After Domestic Assault Conviction

Jonathan Majors has secured his first film role since his 2023 conviction for domestic assault and subsequent dismissal from Disney's Marvel Cinematic Universe. He is set to star in the independent revenge thriller "Merciless," directed by Martin Villeneuve.

Martin Villeneuve, brother of renowned "Dune" director Denis Villeneuve, confirmed Majors' involvement to Variety. The film, written by Frank Hannah, centers on a CIA investigator who embarks on a perilous quest for justice after his beloved falls victim to nefarious forces. Filming is slated to commence in Saskatchewan later this fall.

In April, Majors was sentenced to a year of domestic violence counseling after being found guilty of assaulting and harassing his ex-girlfriend. A Manhattan judge mandated Majors to attend a 52-week in-person program in Los Angeles, raising questions about how this commitment will affect the filming schedule of "Merciless." Throughout the high-profile trial, Majors maintained his innocence and expressed a strong desire to continue his Hollywood career. Before his arrest in March 2023, Majors was on an upward trajectory with roles in "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," "Creed III," and the Emmy-winning "Lovecraft Country."

Following his conviction, Marvel Studios cut ties with Majors, who had portrayed the key antagonist Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He was originally slated to appear in future franchise entries, including 2026's "Avengers: The Kang Dynasty." Additionally, Majors was dropped by his management company Entertainment 360 and his publicity firm, the Lede Company, though he continues to be represented by talent agency WME.

"Merciless" is being developed by Sentient producer Christopher Tuffin, who previously backed the box office success "Sound of Freedom." Tuffin plans to establish a new media venture committed to preserving artistic integrity despite public opinion and selective prosecution.

“In graduate school, I had the good fortune to study screenwriting under Blacklist scribe Millard Lampell and learned from him the dangers of letting politics undermine due process and deprive artists of their careers,” Tuffin remarked in a statement. “I consider it an honor and a privilege to be working with such a great talent now that this matter has been adjudicated.”

Tuffin will produce "Merciless" alongside Kevin Townsend and Kevin DeWalt, with Amanda Delaplaine, Chris Ochs, Andrew Bates, and Ben DeWalt serving as executive producers.

Why This Matters: Jonathan Majors' return to film highlights ongoing discussions about the intersection of personal conduct and professional opportunities in Hollywood. This casting decision reflects broader debates on rehabilitation, redemption, and the extent to which past actions should impact future prospects.

Key Takeaways

• Jonathan Majors will star in "Merciless," directed by Martin Villeneuve.
• Majors was convicted of domestic assault in 2023 and sentenced to a year of counseling.
• The film's shooting schedule may conflict with Majors' court-mandated counseling.
• Marvel Studios has severed ties with Majors following his conviction.
• "Merciless" is produced by Christopher Tuffin, who advocates for artistic integrity despite public controversies.