Marvel Studios has severed ties with Emmy-nominated actor Jonathan Majors in the wake of his recent conviction for assaulting his then-girlfriend, British choreographer Grace Jabbari.

The verdict was delivered by a New York jury on Monday, finding Majors, 34, guilty of attacking and harassing Jabbari during a heated argument in March.

The fallout from Majors’ conviction extends beyond his personal life to his professional career, especially his prominent role as the villain Kang the Conqueror in Marvel films.

Expected to feature in multiple Marvel projects, Majors’ future with the franchise is now uncertain. The studio has already postponed the release dates for “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty,” where he was set to play a leading role, leaving fans speculating on whether Marvel will find a replacement or write his character out of the films.

In addition to Marvel’s decision, Majors has faced setbacks in other projects. The film “Magazine Dreams,” in which he played a starring role and was considered a potential Oscar contender, has had its release delayed. The U.S. Army has also removed Majors from a significant advertising campaign.

The assault on Jabbari occurred during a dispute over a text message Majors received from another woman, expressing a desire to kiss him. The altercation left Jabbari with a fractured finger, bruising, and a cut behind her ear.

Majors was convicted of assault by recklessly causing physical injury and harassment but was acquitted of aggravated harassment and assault with intent to cause physical harm.

The prosecution presented a pattern of Majors attempting to exert control over Jabbari through physical and emotional violence, including text messages and voice recordings. Majors’ self-deprecating messages, attempts to dissuade Jabbari from seeking medical help, and recorded arguments where he urged her to emulate prominent figures were all part of the evidence presented.

Jabbari’s lawyer commended her client’s strength and resolve, emphasizing the importance of holding abusers accountable. Majors, through his lawyer, continues to maintain his innocence and expresses faith in the legal process.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 6, accompanied by a new protection order prohibiting contact with Jabbari. The actor’s conviction marks a significant turning point in his once-promising Hollywood career, leaving fans and industry insiders wondering about the lasting impact on both his personal and professional life.

African streaming service Showmax has announced the release date and revealed the first trailer for its original 2D animated series “Twende.” The show follows a pangolin named Twende, known as the slowest animal in the savannah.

While it doesn’t directly address poaching, pangolins’ endangered status is acknowledged. It’s important to note that pangolins are one of the most trafficked animals globally and are currently listed as endangered species.

The series combines humor with an important message about pangolin conservation.

The essence of “Twende” revolves around the belief that “life is about the journey, not the destination,” a concept that consistently clashes with Twende’s occupation as a boda boda (motorbike taxi) driver in the vibrant, fictitious East African city of Milima.

“Twende” is created by Charlie and Regan Maas and produced in collaboration with Braintrust and Mind’s Eye Creative. It features an all-Kenyan voice cast and will premiere on Showmax on December 4, with new episodes released on Saturdays. The show’s unique concept and commitment to pangolin protection make it an exciting addition to the streaming platform.

There’s a noticeable trend of movies being adapted into musicals and then returning to the big screen.

The Color Purple, in particular, boasts an impressive team both in front of and behind the camera. This should come as no surprise, considering Alice Walker’s Pulitzer-winning 1982 novel and Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film adaptation, which earned 11 Oscar nominations. The musical version also received Tony nominations, building high expectations for the upcoming musical movie adaptation. Take a look at the latest trailer for more insights…

This time, Marcus Gardley has adapted the story (utilizing Marsha Norman’s musical book), which follows Celie’s journey, portrayed by Fantasia Barrino, an African-American woman in the deep South from the early to mid-20th century. Celie faces the daunting task of discovering her identity after enduring years of abuse from her stepfather, husband, and others over four decades.

With Blitz Bazawule as the director and the original film star Oprah Winfrey now one of the producers, the cast includes Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Aunjanue Ellis, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Danielle Brooks, and Halle Bailey. Whether this production continues to attract awards and nominations remains to be seen.

The Color Purple (maintaining the American spelling for its UK release) is scheduled to hit cinemas on January 26, following its Christmas Day release in the United States.