Marvel Studios
Despite having only made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut earlier this year, 32-year-old rising megastar Jonathan Majors already comes across as a grizzled veteran when it comes to the art of dodging MCU-related questions.
Speaking to Majors ahead of the release of his excellent new Western The Harder They Fall, our Post-Credit Podcast attempted to ask Majors what Kang the Conqueror brings to the MCU that hasn’t been done before and why that excites him. Majors, clearly trying to avoid the spoiler-riddled trail paved by the likes of Mark Ruffalo and Tom Holland, expertly responded to the question while also saying nothing at all, a skill that will certainly serve him well in the coming years.
“What’s appealing to me about the character is that I get to work,” Majors told BroBible’s Post-Credit Podcast. “Which means I get to explore my own humanity and put that on display — you know, because it’s Marvel — a *massive* audience, and that’s really cool for me. When I was sitting in North Carolina or drama school in New Haven, it’s what you always wanted.”
“And what I feel Kang brings to the MCU is something for our heroes to go up against, and that’s cool, because you learn more about them. There’s conflict and I get to be a part of that.”
Like I said, a pro’s pro response. Majors was even kind enough to apologize for his ambiguity, which was unnecessary — as he, just like me, was simply doing his job — but greatly appreciated.
Not quite ready to move off of Kang, though, I pivoted to a version of a question that I frequently ask when I’m speaking to talent in the industry, as I’ve always been fascinated by the moments when artists realize they’re on the verge of doing something great.
“Do you remember the exact moment that you got the call that you had been cast as a major MCU villain, and what was that like for you?” I asked.
“That was beautiful, and I can speak to that. I was in New Mexico shooting The Harder They Fall. I was actually smoking a cigarette or something, and my team called. I was with a very dear friend of mine, and we were just sitting, and I had to walk off. I was like, ‘What? They want to do what?’ And the thing about it is, initially it’s just a job, and I was like, ‘Okay, cool,’ and then as it began to unfold, it became what it is. And who knows what it will be.”
Given the way Kang’s introduction totally upended the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there truly is no telling where the character will go from here. Regardless, with Majors’ immense talent at the forefront, we’re completely on board either way.
The Harder They Fall, which stars Idris Elba, Zazie Beetz, Regina King, Delroy Lindo, and Lakeith Stanfield in addition to Majors, is currently playing in limited theaters ahead of its release on Netflix on Wednesday, November 3. And make sure to check out our full conversation with both Majors and director Jeymes Samuel, which will be dropping next week.
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