Jonathan Majors on Playing Kang the Conqueror in Ant-Man, Working with Jay Z & Going to Cowboy Camp

TL;DR

Jonathan Majors discusses playing Kang in Marvel, his western film, and training for horseback riding.

Transcript

our next guest recently became part of the marvel cinematic universe as future super villain kang but while he marinates in evil he stars alongside idris elba and regina king in the new western the harder they fall it's in select theaters october 22nd and on netflix november 3rd please welcome jonathan magers [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Appla... Read More

Key Insights

• 🦸 Majors perceives super villains as more memorable than superheroes due to their dramatic impact on stories.
• 🍂 His character in "The Harder They Fall" is inspired by a real historical figure, adding layers of authenticity to his role.
• 🏇 Personal preparation for western roles includes physical training in horse riding and shooting, essential for believability in action scenes.
• 😓 The collaborative environment in films promotes supportive relationships, as exemplified by Majors' interaction with Jay-Z and the cast.
• 😫 Majors' experience on set showcases the challenges of filming during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting personal interactions and production dynamics.
• 😃 He finds joy in the creative process while respecting the established lore and characters in the Marvel universe.
• 🎁 The duality of his career in different genres (MCU vs. westerns) presents opportunities for artistic exploration and audience engagement.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Jonathan Majors to take on the role of Kang the Conqueror?

Jonathan Majors was drawn to the complexity and depth of the character Kang the Conqueror, seeing him as a significant and impactful villain in the Marvel universe. He appreciates that super villains make a stronger impression in narratives, allowing him to explore a darker side of storytelling, which he finds particularly enticing as an actor.

Q: How did Majors prepare for his role in "The Harder They Fall"?

Majors prepared by attending cowboy camps, where he learned horse riding and gun twirling. Having grown up in Texas around horses on his family's farm, he felt comfortable with the equestrian elements. This preparation allowed him to authentically portray his character, Nat Love, who seeks revenge fueled by personal loss.

Q: Did Jay-Z play a significant role during the filming of "The Harder They Fall"?

Although Jay-Z, one of the producers, wasn't present on set due to pandemic restrictions, Majors had an impactful encounter with him at a party. Jay-Z offered words of encouragement that resonated with Majors, instilling in him the confidence and belief that they were making a significant film together, which motivated him throughout production.

Q: What are the challenges of playing a character like Kang in the MCU?

Playing Kang presents unique challenges due to the character's immense power and complex narrative arc. Majors is required to balance intrigue and threat, embodying a character that has a significant place in Marvel's future. He navigates strict confidentiality, making character depth while maintaining secrecy about the plot and future developments within the MCU.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jonathan Majors shares excitement about becoming Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reflects on the impression super villains leave compared to superheroes.

• He discusses his role in the western film "The Harder They Fall," which features a cast including Idris Elba and Regina King, highlighting his character's real-life inspiration.

• Majors reveals his preparation for the role, including horseback riding and shooting techniques, while also sharing a memorable encounter with Jay-Z during production.