Jonathan Majors talks with Victor Martinez about Magazine Dreams, bodybuilding, and whether or not he’d like to compete
The Generation Iron Podcast recently welcomed a special guest, actor Jonathan Majors, who stars as aspiring bodybuilder Killian Maddox in the newly released film Magazine Dreams. Hosted by Victor Martinez, Edwin Mejia Jr., and Vlad Yudin – the episode featured an in-depth discussion about the film’s development, Majors’ preparation for the role, and his insights into bodybuilding as an art form.
For Jonathan Majors, Magazine Dreams was not just an acting role – it was a role that interconnected with his long standing love for bodybuilding as a sport. Knowing this, Victor Martinez was able to get into the weed about Major’s bodybuilding training, prep, and how it segued into the responsibilities of preparing for the roll. Jonathan Majors also answered – would he use his upgraded physique to actually compete in a bodybuilding competition?
You can watch the full episode above. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of the in-depth conversation below. Let’s dive in!
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Authenticity in Portraying a Bodybuilder
Victor Martinez, a veteran in the bodybuilding industry, praised Jonathan Majors’ authenticity in portraying Killian Maddox, noting that he has encountered real-life bodybuilders with similar struggles. Majors appreciated this recognition and credited the script for setting the foundation of the character.
Majors emphasized that Maddox is a deeply complex individual—a neurodivergent minority working at a grocery store who finds solace and purpose in bodybuilding. Collaborating closely with the film’s director, Majors ensured that his portrayal was both respectful and accurate.
How Did Jonathan Majors Train For Magazine Dreams?
To physically embody a bodybuilder, Jonathan Majors underwent a rigorous transformation, consuming 6,100 calories daily while engaging in intense resistance training. He trained alongside bodybuilding legend Mike O’Hearn, further immersing himself in the discipline and mindset required for the sport.
Majors has been passionate about weightlifting since he was a child and long before he started starring in movie roles. So the process of preparing for Magazine Dreams, while still challenging, was familiar to him. As part of prep, he trained in the gym every single day, seven days per week, in order to maintain the proper size and conditioning needed to realistically portray a competitive bodybuilder
Preparing for Specifics: The Grocery Store and Emotional Depth
When asked by Victor Martinez how he prepared for both the bodybuilding aspect and the simple routines of working in a grocery store, Jonathan Majors responded that he approached it from an emotional standpoint. While he valued accuracy, he believed that the character’s emotional core was more important than perfect technical execution. If a real grocer pointed out minor inaccuracies in how he bagged groceries, that was acceptable because Maddox’s actions were driven by his internal struggles rather than perfection in technique.
Majors delved into the tragic backstory of his character, revealing [SPOILER ALERT] that Killian’s mother killed his father, forever altering his emotional world. This trauma shaped his existence and his approach to bodybuilding.
Jonathan Majors stressed that the film is not just about bodybuilding; it’s about class, mental health, and the human experience. If some in the bodybuilding community feel that the film presents the sport in a negative light, that was never his intention. Rather, it is one specific story within the world of bodybuilding, not a representation of the sport as a whole.
Balancing Training and Acting on Set
When asked how he managed to maintain his physique while also focusing on acting, Jonathan Majors explained that his approach to training was intertwined with his acting process. As he mentally shifted into his character, his training and posing naturally followed. It was never about juggling two separate goals—both aspects stemmed from the same core dedication to embodying Killian Maddox.
Majors’ trainer, Jason Best, chimed in to share that their training sessions were unique. Sometimes, Majors trained as himself; other times, he was fully immersed in his character. The way the character trained and posed differed from Majors’ real-life approach. By the time filming began, Majors had almost entirely become his character, and their conversations about training shifted accordingly.
The Impact of Real Bodybuilders in the Film
Vlad Yudin brought up the fact that real-world bodybuilders such as Mike O’Hearn and Breon Ansley played roles in the film. Jonathan Majors expressed his excitement about working alongside them, stating that their involvement added a level of authenticity and legitimacy that made the process even more enjoyable.
Majors was already a fan of bodybuilding before the film and was familiar with both O’Hearn and Ansley, so getting to work with them was a special experience. More importantly, their presence helped push him both physically and mentally. He felt the real pressure of being around elite bodybuilders, which helped him immerse himself further into the reality of the sport.
Jason Best added that preparing Majors for his role was similar to training an actual bodybuilder for a competition. It was crucial that Majors’ physique looked just right at the perfect moments in the film, particularly in the scenes where he had to pose. Their approach was calculated, ensuring that his body was at its peak for the competition sequences.
Concerns About Getting Too Big and Competing in Bodybuilding
Victor Martinez was impressed by Jonathan Majors’ ability to build a legitimate bodybuilding physique and asked whether he was concerned about getting too big for future acting roles. He also asked if Majors had ever considered competing in bodybuilding.
Majors first thanked Victor for recognizing the authenticity of his transformation. He explained that weightlifting had always been part of his culture—he started lifting weights in eighth grade. As a result, building muscle did not worry him in terms of affecting his acting career.
He pointed out that in The Last Black Man in San Francisco, he was nearly the same weight as he was in Creed III, yet audiences wouldn’t have noticed due to costuming and the way he carried himself on screen. This reassured him that his bodybuilding transformation for Magazine Dreams wouldn’t limit his future acting roles.
When it came to the idea of competing in bodybuilding, Majors expressed his deep love for the sport. He enjoyed every aspect of preparing for the role and found the training process incredibly rewarding.
“Would I complete in a bodybuilding competition? I would absolutely compete in a bodybuilding competition.”
Jonathan Majors
While he wasn’t claiming that he would be the best competitor, Jonathan Majors would absolutely love to go through the process of preparing for a competition. He even joked with his trainer about giving it a shot, to which Jason responded that it would all depend on his schedule.
Victor Martinez agreed with legendary bodybuilder Ronnie Coleman, stating that Majors had transformed his physique to such an impressive degree that he could genuinely perform well in a bodybuilding competition.
Bodybuilding, Celebrity Culture, and Awards Consideration
Jonathan Majors also discussed the state of bodybuilding in America, arguing that it has been overshadowed by celebrity culture. While countries like India and the Middle East have embraced bodybuilding as a respected and monetized sport, in the U.S., it remains niche compared to UFC or even boxing. Majors hopes Magazine Dreams will help bring more mainstream recognition to the beauty and passion behind bodybuilding.
“With all due respect, the history of bodybuilding in America is being outpaced by celebrity culture.”
Jonathan Majors
When asked about the possibility of awards recognition, Majors acknowledged that accolades could help bring attention to the film and its team, but he personally doesn’t prioritize them. He noted that he has already faced significant public scrutiny and that his primary focus is on acting and supporting the art. He hopes audiences will watch the film not for him but for the story and the work of the entire team behind it.
Wrap Up
Jonathan Majors’ appearance on the Generation Iron Podcast provided invaluable insight into the making of Magazine Dreams. His dedication to portraying Killian Maddox authentically highlights the intersection of physical transformation and emotional depth in storytelling. As the film reaches audiences, it offers a compelling narrative that goes beyond bodybuilding, addressing deeper themes of mental health, trauma, and personal ambition.
You can watch the full episode at the top of this article. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
