Exclusive Interview: Jonathan Majors Discusses the Depths of Emotion in Magazine Dreams

In a revealing conversation, ComingSoon Editor-in-Chief Tyler Treese engaged with Jonathan Majors, the star of the upcoming bodybuilding drama Magazine Dreams. Majors elaborated on the film’s intense and haunting scenes, particularly focusing on the character Killian Maddox and the tumultuous journey of his suppressed rage. The film, directed by Elijah Bynum, is set to hit theaters on March 21, 2025, and promises to be a gripping exploration of ambition and identity.

The protagonist, Killian Maddox, is driven by an unyielding desire to achieve fame as a world-renowned bodybuilder and to see himself on the covers of prestigious fitness magazines. His life is marked by isolation and a strict regimen, leading him further into a spiral of self-destruction. Despite his relentless pursuit of perfection, he grapples with a profound need for genuine human connection. As he confronts the limitations of his physical abilities and battles his inner demons, Magazine Dreams poignantly examines the extremes to which one man will go in his haunting quest for acknowledgment in a society that frequently ignores him.

Tyler Treese: The film’s exploration of celebrity culture captivated me. Killian’s parasocial relationship with renowned bodybuilder Brad Vanderhorn reflects modern social dynamics. What insights did you gain from Killian’s quest for mentorship, especially given his close relationship with his war hero grandfather?

Jonathan Majors: The discussion around Vanderhorn is fascinating. He embodies the ultimate dream for Killian, almost like a deity in his eyes. In contrast, his grandfather, the war hero, represents a tangible, earthly connection filled with respect and love. Yet, Killian’s ambition surpasses his current reality. He struggles to recognize the value of his grandfather’s legacy, leading him to seek inspiration elsewhere. Vanderhorn symbolizes this unattainable ideal, but ultimately, Killian discovers that even idols are merely human, laden with their own imperfections. This revelation profoundly impacts him, awakening a new perspective on his journey.

As he gets closer to this ideal, the experience fundamentally alters his understanding of ambition and recognition.

In several powerful scenes, Killian’s rage is palpable, particularly during the intense moment in the paint shop. How do you channel that aggression in your performance, especially considering the logistics of filming such destructive scenes?

While resets are possible, you’re right that these scenes require careful coordination. For the paint shop scene, we had limited chances to capture the raw emotion, especially given the time constraints we faced on set. The urgency of filming at three in the morning added to the intensity. In portraying Killian’s rage, it’s crucial to understand the emotional undercurrents. For him, this outburst is a form of retribution for his grandfather. There’s an intense sense of duty driving him, even if, personally, I believe such actions are misguided. Within the film’s context, disrespecting a war hero warrants a response. Though cathartic in the moment, Killian quickly realizes the destructiveness of his actions.

We extend our gratitude to Jonathan Majors for sharing his insights on Magazine Dreams.