Jonathan Majors is making a determined return to the spotlight with a focus on action thrillers, aiming to revive his career after legal and professional troubles. His latest project, produced in partnership with The Daily Wire, draws clear inspiration from ’80s and ’90s militaristic action films, underscoring his ongoing attempt to reestablish himself within this genre.
From Rising Star to Controversial Figure
Jonathan Majors quickly gained recognition with his starring role in HBO’s Lovecraft Country, which opened doors to a variety of prominent parts. His performances in productions such as Netflix’s The Harder They Fall, the military drama Devotion, the award-attracting Magazine Dreams, and Creed III displayed his growing versatility. His major breakthrough came as Kang the Conqueror, a supervillain introduced in the Disney+ series Loki and featured prominently in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Majors was positioned as the central antagonist in Marvel’s Multiverse Saga.
However, his rise was halted abruptly when he faced arrest on charges including assault, strangulation, and harassment in 2023. Following legal proceedings, Majors was convicted of two misdemeanor counts linked to assault and harassment and faced allegations from multiple accusers. These developments led to Marvel severing ties with him, along with his removal from several projects and campaigns, including a United States Army endorsement.
Launching a New Action Thriller with The Daily Wire
Despite the setbacks, Majors has aligned with conservative media company The Daily Wire for a new untitled action thriller, now in production. This film is described as carrying the spirit of classic action movies such as Red Dawn and Toy Soldiers, reflecting a patriotic, militaristic narrative. The story centers on American fighters rising to defend their homeland against unspecified threats.
“When threats strike the heart of the homeland, American warriors rise with unbreakable grit and unrelenting firepower to defend what makes this country worth fighting for.”
—The project synopsis
The cast supporting Majors includes David Lucas, JC Kilcoyne, Tyler Aser, James Bingham, Savanna Leigh James, Stephen Hailo, Myles Clohessy, Travis Mills, and singer-songwriter Darby Cappillino. Kyle Rankin serves as both writer and director of the film.
Additional Projects Expand Majors’ Action Hero Ambitions
This new action thriller is the first of three anticipated action roles for Majors following his professional fallout. Another upcoming film, Merciless, directed by Martin Villeneuve—the brother of acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve—features Majors in a revenge-driven role. The film’s plot centers on a top CIA interrogator laboring under a dark personal burden after the woman he loves falls victim to a hostile force.
“Merciless follows a top CIA interrogator who, after the woman he loves is overtaken by a malevolent force, is forced to go even darker to defeat it.”
—Film synopsis
In a third project, True Threat, Majors plays Venon Threat, a character determined to achieve justice after his teenage son is murdered by a Harlem gang called The Apollo Kids. This film draws inspiration from action classics like The Raid, depicting a ruthless ascent through a 20-story building known as The Carter, the gang’s lair, where Venon confronts both the gang leader and his former mentor to exact vengeance.
“Threat infiltrates The Carter, a towering 20-story project building that serves as the gang’s stronghold, battling his way to the top floor to confront their leader and his former mentor.”
—Story description
Majors’ Return Could Redefine His Career Trajectory
Jonathan Majors’ pivot toward gritty, no-nonsense action roles marks a significant tonal shift following his legal troubles and public scrutiny. Aligning with The Daily Wire for a film that evokes Red Dawn’s patriotic militarism signals an attempt to adopt a more straightforward hero image. The additional projects Merciless and True Threat reinforce his goal of becoming a dominant force within the action thriller space despite the controversy shadowing his comeback.
