Vinnie Jones, with his intense on-screen presence and rugged physique, has had a multifaceted career, from the soccer pitch to the cinematic world of Hollywood. The former professional footballer transitioned into movies with 1998’s Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels. Following this, he appeared in several television shows and movies, the most well-known of which was X-Men: The Last Stand (2006).
In this, he portrayed Cain Marko, also known as Juggernaut, a mutant possessing extraordinary strength and durability. However, Jones, just like many prominent Marvel actors, found himself under the legal system’s radar with several wild accusations against his name.
Vinnie Jones and his run in with the law
The MCU has been under a lot of scrutiny given the arrest of Jonathan Majors on assault and domestic violence charges. However, this isn’t the first time that an actor who’s been associated with the studio has been arrested. In this regard, actor Vinnie Jones has had his fair share of legal troubles, even before he shot X-Men: The Last Stand in 2006.
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In the year 1997, the news headlines were buzzing given that Jones was arrested and later convicted of assaulting his neighbor Timothy Gear regarding a dispute over a fence. While the headline in itself was shocking when Gear detailed the altercation, the public’s jaw dropped to the floor. In the court documents, Gear detailed that Jones banged on his door at 11 p.m. at night (via Independent) and added:
I opened the door. Vincent Jones grabbed me by the shoulders and put his teeth into the top of my scalp.
Timothy Gear then further recalled that the attack was not just limited to physical aggression but also involved verbal abuse as well. Further, the altercation ceased only when a neighbor nearby intervened and took Jones on the side. The aftereffects of which Gear faced several injuries, including a cut lip, facial brushing, and swelling. However, Vinnie Jones presented a different perspective of his own, stating that it’s not what happened that night.
Vinnie Jones added that he had approached Gear regarding a fence stile that had been taken down. In addition, he asserted that he had consumed very little alcohol that day and that he had no desire to cause any trouble. Rather than a fight, he described the confrontation as a contest of strength.
Vinnie Jones denied the criminal charges against him, but the magistrates at St. Albans, in their ruling, decided otherwise (via Independent).
Vinnie Jones turned down Juggernaut role in Deadpool & Wolverine
It seems like Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman wanted to bring every Marvel superhero for a cameo in their upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine. While that might have worked out perfectly for others, Vinnie Jones has stated that he won’t be reprising his role as Juggernaut in the upcoming flick, and that too for a good reason.
In an interview (via Cinema Blend), the actor revealed that he was approached for Deadpool 3 and said:
Funny enough, I just got asked to do Deadpool, the new one that’s coming out now, and I spoke to the director, and I just said it’s such a drama putting that suit on mentally and physically.
He further added that he was exhausted and restricted in that suit, going as far as drinking water from a straw. He also added that while negotiations were going on between him and the Deadpool team, it didn’t reach a positive conclusion. Jones added that the Ryan Reynolds starrer was one of his all-time favorite movies. But he was bummed that budget constraints prevented him from donning the Juggernaut suit.
But while Jones couldn’t reprise his role, there will be several other actors, even beyond the MCU, who are set to keep the audience entertained.
You can stream X-Men: The Last Stand on Amazon Prime Video. While Deadpool & Wolverine is scheduled for a theatrical release on 26th July.
