Jonathan Majors’ ‘Magazine Dreams’ Opens Amid Controversy

LOS ANGELES, March 19, 2025 — After a tumultuous two years marked by controversy surrounding its lead actor, Jonathan Majors, the indie drama Magazine Dreams is set to premiere in theaters on March 21. The film, directed by Elijah Bynum, explores the troubled life of an amateur bodybuilder seeking validation in a cutthroat environment.

Originally unveiled at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2023, Magazine Dreams was anticipated to garner awards attention for Majors, who invested a year into preparing for the role of Killian Maddox. The film’s early reception was overwhelmingly positive, with critics lauding Majors as a “revelation.” However, the film’s release was dramatically altered when Majors was arrested in March 2023 and later found guilty of assaulting an ex-girlfriend.

Following his conviction, Majors was sentenced to a domestic violence intervention program and probation. His legal troubles quickly tainted the film’s future; Searchlight Pictures relinquished distribution rights, leaving the film without a home until Briarcliff Entertainment stepped in. The company faced a similar path with The Apprentice, successfully reviving that project, but Magazine Dreams carries a different stigma due to the nature of Majors’ off-screen issues.

Briarcliff’s founder, Tom Ortenberg, expressed confidence that “art prevails,” emphasizing the dedication of the team behind Magazine Dreams. In a statement, Bynum noted, “Dozens of incredibly talented people poured their time, energy, and creativity into bringing this film to life.”

Despite the challenges, the film’s narrative remains impactful, portraying Maddox as a man whose quest for physical perfection spirals into self-destruction. Critics have drawn parallels between Maddox’s violent tendencies and the real-life issues surrounding Majors, raising questions about audience reception amid the actor’s personal struggles. A trailer released in January encapsulated the film’s stylized yet unsettling atmosphere, setting the tone for what many believe is a harrowing yet necessary discussion about masculinity and mental health.

The film also stars Haley Bennett, Taylour Paige, and Harrison Page, and blends character-driven storytelling with intense performances. However, industry tracking indicates Magazine Dreams is projected to earn only $2 million to $7 million during its opening weekend, a modest number reflective of its indie roots and Majors’ complicated public perception.

In a recent interview, Majors reflected on his legal journey and subsequent personal growth, stating, “It’s a heartbreak like I’ve never experienced.” He revealed that therapy and revisiting past traumas have prompted significant changes in his outlook. His ongoing relationship with his past is complicated further by alleged recent altercations involving the same ex-girlfriend, casting additional shadows over the film’s release.

The question now looms: will audiences separate the artistry of Majors’ performance in Magazine Dreams from his public controversies? As the film approaches its release, many are left to ponder whether the journey of Killian Maddox will resonate or if Majors’ past will overshadow the artistic message depicted on screen.

Magazine Dreams is rated R for violent content, drug use, sexual material, nudity, and language. It runs for 104 minutes and will be available exclusively in standard theaters on March 21.