In the wake of Jonathan Majors’ recent conviction for assault and harassment, Searchlight has officially terminated its distribution deal for the film “Magazine Dreams.” Variety has confirmed that the Walt Disney Studios specialty arm has released the rights back to the filmmakers, leaving them free to explore alternative distribution options.
The acquisition of “Magazine Dreams,” a bodybuilding drama directed by Elijah Bynum, took place a few weeks after its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival last year. Despite receiving positive reviews and selling for a reported mid-seven figures, the film’s fate became uncertain following Majors’ arrest on March 25, prompting its removal from Searchlight’s calendar in October.
The conviction stemmed from an incident involving Majors’ ex-partner, Grace Jabbari. Majors’ sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 6, casting further doubt on the film’s release under Searchlight.
Marvel has subsequently dropped Majors from his role as the villain Kang the Conqueror, while Lionsgate’s Dennis Rodman film, “48 Hours in Vega,” is now on the lookout for both a new lead and a new distributor.
Variety’s Owen Gleiberman, in his review, drew parallels between “Magazine Dreams” and acclaimed films like “The Wrestler” and “Taxi Driver.” He described the film as creating a character haunting in his extremity, turning the dream into a shared experience with the audience and presenting the heartbreaking prospect of its premature demise.
Featuring a cast including Haley Bennett, Taylour Paige, Mike O’Hearn, Harrison Page, and Harriet Sansom Harris, the movie is produced by Jennifer Fox, Dan Gilroy, Jeffrey Soros, and Simon Horsman. Executive producers include Majors, operating under his production banner Tall Street Productions, along with Luke Rodgers and Andrew Blau. With the film now seeking a new distributor, the future of “Magazine Dreams” remains uncertain as the legal proceedings involving Jonathan Majors unfold.
