Jonathan Majors has secured his first film role following his conviction for third-degree assault and harassment. The actor will star in the supernatural revenge thriller *Merciless*, directed by Martin Villeneuve, the brother of renowned filmmaker Denis Villeneuve.
The film, set to begin shooting this fall in Saskatchewan, revolves around a CIA interrogator named John, played by Majors, who must confront a malevolent force that has taken over the woman he loves. The screenplay is penned by Frank Hannah.
Christopher Tuffin, known for producing the box office hit *Sound of Freedom*, will produce the film alongside Kevin Townsend and Kevin DeWalt. Amanda Delaplaine, Chris Ochs, Andrew Bates, and Ben DeWalt will serve as executive producers.
Earlier this year, Majors was found guilty of one count of misdemeanor third-degree assault and one count of second-degree harassment, stemming from a March 2023 incident involving his ex-partner, Grace Jabbari. He was acquitted of two other counts of assault and aggravated harassment. Following the conviction, Majors lost his role as Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he was set to lead *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*.
Despite his legal troubles, Majors continues to find opportunities in Hollywood. He is set to receive the Perseverance Award at the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards on June 21. The award honors individuals who continue to inspire despite facing adversity.
Director Martin Villeneuve commented on the film, stating it “intertwines themes of possession, revenge, and personal justice within a haunting narrative” and explores “the psychological descent of John, played by Majors, and the supernatural forces challenging his sanity.”
Producer Christopher Tuffin emphasized the importance of not letting public opinion and selective prosecution undermine great art and artists. He expressed his honor in working with Majors, highlighting his talent and the importance of due process.
Majors, represented by WME, initially gained recognition in indie films like *The Last Black Man in San Francisco* before moving on to projects such as the Western *The Harder They Fall* and Spike Lee’s *Da 5 Bloods*. Before his conviction, he was considered one of Hollywood’s top rising stars, appearing in the latest *Creed* film and playing Marvel villain Kang in *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania* and the *Loki* TV series.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, ABC News
