Jonathan Majors’ “Magazine Dreams” Secures Release Date After Disney Withdrawal

Jonathan Majors is set to return to the big screen with his upcoming film “Magazine Dreams,” which has recently secured a release date after Disney pulled it from their film slate amid his legal troubles. The movie, which centers around the world of bodybuilding, will be distributed by Briarcliff Entertainment and is slated for a theatrical release in early 2025.

Tony Ortenberg, the CEO of Briarcliff Entertainment, confirmed the acquisition of the domestic distribution rights and shared his enthusiasm for the film. In a statement to CNN, he remarked, “‘Magazine Dreams’ is a visceral experience that challenges the perceptions of ambition and identity.” He went on to highlight Majors’ performance as Killian Maddox, stating, “Jonathan Majors’ transcendent performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most compelling and transformative roles in recent cinema history.”

In “Magazine Dreams,” Majors plays an amateur bodybuilder navigating the complexities of ambition, identity, and personal challenges. The film also stars Haley Bennett, and its narrative has already garnered attention for its raw and impactful storytelling. The project first gained acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival last year, where it captured the interest of audiences and critics alike.

Originally, the film was set for a December release but was yanked from Disney’s calendar just before Majors’ trial commenced. This development came as a surprise to many, especially considering Majors’ previous success in major productions, including “Creed III,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” and the Disney+ series “Loki.” His legal issues, however, have cast a shadow over his rising career.

In December, a New York jury found Majors guilty of assault and harassment stemming from a domestic dispute with a former girlfriend. He was convicted of one count of reckless assault in the third degree and a non-criminal charge of harassment. Although he pleaded not guilty to all charges, he was acquitted of another assault charge and a count of aggravated harassment. Ultimately, he avoided jail time but was sentenced to complete a 52-week mandatory in-person domestic violence prevention program.

The fallout from these legal troubles extended into his work with Marvel, where Majors had been slated to reprise his role as Kang the Conqueror in “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.” However, in July, Marvel announced that “Kang Dynasty” would be replaced by “Avengers: Doomsday,” which will see the return of Robert Downey Jr. to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Despite these challenges, the announcement of “Magazine Dreams” coming to theaters is a hopeful turn for Majors, indicating that his career may still have a path forward. The film is expected to provide an intense and emotionally charged exploration of its themes, with Majors at the center of it all.

Briarcliff Entertainment is also working on other notable projects, including “The Apprentice,” which explores former President Donald Trump’s real estate dealings in New York during the 1980s. This film stars Sebastian Stan as Trump, alongside “Succession” star Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn, and Maria Bakalova, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in “Borat 2,” as Ivana Trump.

As “Magazine Dreams” approaches its release date, both audiences and critics will be watching closely to see how Majors navigates the complex landscape of his career following his legal issues. With the film’s promising premise and Majors’ celebrated talent, there is a palpable anticipation surrounding its debut.

In conclusion, while Jonathan Majors faces significant hurdles, the upcoming release of “Magazine Dreams” signals a potential resurgence in his career. The film’s exploration of personal ambition and identity promises to resonate with viewers, and Majors’ performance could very well redefine his trajectory in Hollywood. As 2025 approaches, fans and followers of the actor are eager to see how this chapter unfolds.