Magazine Dreams is the latest controversy-ridden film to hit theaters. Releasing on March 21, 2025, the film will arrive almost two years after it first premiered at Sundance.
Despite various controversies, the film is critically well-received, but it’s unclear how well it will perform during the opening weekend. Traders have been betting on the film’s opening weekend box office performance through the top prediction market Polymarket since March 18, 2025.
The bettors largely expect the film to make less than a million dollars with a forecasted 92%. Will a positive critical reception help bring viewers to the theaters? Will the film’s controversy deter audiences?
Before you bet on Magazine Dreams’ box office performance, here’s what you need to know.
What is ‘Magazine Dreams’?
Magazine Dreams is an American drama written and directed by Elijah Bynum. The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival back on Jan. 20, 2023.
Killian Maddox is consumed by his dream of becoming a world famous bodybuilder and one day gracing the cover of fitness magazines. He lives a lonely, regimented life, and his relentless drive for perfection only pushes him deeper towards self destruction, but beneath his tenacious pursuit of superstardom lies a desperate, aching need for human connection. As he battles both the limits of his physical body and his own inner demons, MAGAZINE DREAMS explores the lengths one man will go in his haunting quest for recognition in a world that often overlooks him.
The film stars Jonathan Majors in the lead role, joined by Haley Bennett, Taylour Paige, Mike O’Hearn, Harrison Page, and Harriet Sansom Harris. Unfortunately, the film has been plagued by its leading stars’ controversies.
Jonathan Majors' Controversies
Two months after the film’s Sundance premiere, Majors was arrested on charges of assault. On Dec. 18, 2023, he was convicted of one charge of assault and one charge of harassment. In April of the following year, he was sentenced to 52 weeks of a domestic violence intervention program and probation.
In response to the conviction, Marvel fired him from his role as Kang the Conqueror, where he was supposed to be a major character in the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In terms of Magazine Dreams, the film’s domestic distributor Searchlight Pictures dropped the film.
Later, Briarcliff Entertainment acquired the domestic distribution rights and slated the movie to release this month. But leading up to the release of the film, something else was revealed on March 17, 2025.
In a Rolling Stone exclusive, the publication had acquired audio where Majors spoke about the abuse. In the clip, he can be heard saying, “I’ve never [been] aggressive with a woman before. I’ve never aggressed a woman — I aggressed you.”
This last-minute revelation, released just before the film’s debut, might sway some audiences — but likely only those previously unaware of Majors’ history. For existing fans, positions are already decided: those who knew about his conviction have either decided to support his work regardless or have already chosen to avoid it entirely.
Jonathan Majors has got a wife, a new film, and according to him, an open heart begging for a second chance.
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) March 19, 2025
But does he deserve the comeback story he clearly wants?
Commentary: https://t.co/fqPiujMNeI pic.twitter.com/OcIlbe7Hup
Early reviews and reactions to ‘Magazine Dreams’
After the film’s Sundance premiere and before the controversies, Magazine Dreams was very well received. Searchlight Pictures outbid Neon, Sony Pictures Classics, and HBO for the distribution rights for the film.
Majors’ received significant praise for his role and the film has a Certified Fresh score of 83 on Rotten Tomatoes. The Critics Consensus says, “Its dramatic form may get a little wobbly during certain reps, but Jonathan Majors’ incredibly committed performance makes Magazine Dreams well worth a watch.”
On social media, users are divided. Those who want to see the movie are raving about it. Critic Brandon Keith Avery says Majors “gives one of the BEST performances ever.”
So I saw #Magazinedreams and it's not what I expected. Proceed with caution! #JonathanMajors gives one of the BEST performances ever! His role was Intense, Dark, Sad, and Scary. A MUST see, and an #Oscar nomination at least is required @MagDreamsFilm @BriarcliffEnt pic.twitter.com/f7C0UkbTGX
— Brandon Keith Avery (@justmyopinion84) March 19, 2025
While Polymarket bettors predict less than $1 million on opening weekend, Box Office Theory claims Magazine Dreams is going to make between $2 million and $7 million. This is difficult to predict given the controversies surrounding the film.
The question is exactly what everyone’s been asking – will audiences be able to separate the actor from the art?
