Deon Cole recalled watching Jonathan Majors fully lean into method acting while working on the 2021 western drama The Harder They Fall.
The pair co-starred in the Netflix film directed by Jeymes Samuel, with Cole appearing in a supporting role as Wiley Escoe while Majors portrayed the lead character, Nat Love. During a December episode of the Finding the Funny podcast, the former black-ish star reflected on Majors’ approach to the role, noting that the actor stayed in character even when cameras weren’t rolling.
“He would not get out of character,” Cole said of Majors around the 41-minute mark of the episode. “I was at Shell gas station one day, and just heard a horse and looked out. I’m not bullshitting, dog. … I was buying some chips and shit, and I looked out. And this n***a’s getting off a horse, dog. On a Sunday.”
“We weren’t even filming,” Cole added. “He had spurs on, a holster, came into the gas station, grabbed some water and stuff, and I’m thinking to myself, should I even speak to him? I didn’t want anyone knowing I knew him. But he saw me and was like, ‘Hey, what’s up?’ And I was just like, ‘You tell me what’s up.’”
Elsewhere on the podcast, Cole explained that actors are often encouraged to fully “dive into the character” they’re portraying, though that approach has reportedly caused issues for Majors on other projects. Majors, who was found guilty of misdemeanor assault and harassment in 2024, has also allegedly shown a broader pattern of aggressive behavior on set, as outlined in a 2023 Rolling Stone exposé.
In response, Majors’ attorney Dustin Pusch denied those claims, according to IndieWire, stating that the actor never “physically, verbally, or emotionally abused anyone.”
“The allegations that Mr. Majors got physical with or physically intimidated anyone on any movie set are downright false,” Pusch said. “Everyone who has worked with Mr. Majors knows that he uses an immersive Method acting style, and while it can sometimes be misinterpreted as rudeness, those familiar with him and the industry have consistently spoken to his dedication to his craft and his kindness.”
