Marvel to ‘change’ Avengers title after guilty Jonathan Majors verdict
The forthcoming Avengers film will have its title changed after lead star Jonathan Majors was found guilty of assault.
Jonathan Majors dropped from Marvel Studios
Lead star Jonathan Majors has been dropped by Marvel Studios following his guilty verdict for assaulting his ex-girlfriend. The actor, who was set to play the main villain in the new Avengers film, was found guilty of one count of third-degree assault and one count of harassment. However, he was acquitted of another count of assault and one aggravated harassment count.
Majors' presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is now uncertain as he faces a sentencing on 6 February and the possibility of up to one year in prison. He previously played the role of Kang the Conqueror in the TV series Loki and 2023 film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, setting him up as the next big Avengers villain.
The fifth Avengers film will no longer be called 'The Kang Dynasty'
The fifth Avengers film, originally titled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, will now be known as Avengers 5 until a new title is decided on. This decision suggests that the character Kang will be written out of the franchise instead of being recast. Marvel executives have reportedly discussed alternative comic book adversaries, including Fantastic Four character Dr. Doom.
The change in title comes after Jonathan Majors' guilty verdict, further indicating the studio's decision to distance themselves from the actor. Majors was dropped by his management team and had several promotional campaigns featuring him pulled. This includes a forthcoming adaptation of the Walter Mosley novel The Man in My Basement and the project Magazine Dreams, which was removed from Walt Disney Studios' release calendar.
The trial reveals a pattern of psychological and emotional abuse
After the verdict, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg issued a statement, acknowledging the evidence presented throughout the trial. He highlighted the cycle of psychological and emotional abuse and escalating patterns of coercion, which are unfortunately common in intimate partner violence cases.
Bragg emphasized the importance of centering survivors, thanking the jury for their service and applauding the survivor for bravely sharing her story despite the trauma she experienced. Support for victims of domestic abuse is available through helplines, such as the national domestic abuse helpline for women and the dedicated men's advice line.
