In his first feature film, McAvoy explores the story of Scottish rappers and reflects on cultural similarities with Ireland.
Category: Arts & Culture
Scottish actor James McAvoy has recently opened up about the challenges of directing his first feature film, California Schemin', and the broader cultural themes surrounding Scottish identity and independence. In an interview on the BBC's The Claudia Winkleman Show, McAvoy described the experience as "a nightmare (he) wouldn't wish on (his) worst enemy," highlighting the intense workload involved in balancing both directing and acting roles.
The film, which is set to hit cinemas on April 10, 2026, tells the true story of Scottish rap duo Silibil N' Brains, who pretended to be American to secure a record deal. McAvoy, 46, revealed that he was taken aback by the extensive responsibilities that came with directing, especially as he also took on a role in the film. He said, "I knew I wanted to make films about people from low-income backgrounds, council estates or schemes as we call them in Scotland." He expressed a desire to create narratives that resonate with his own upbringing and experiences.
During the interview, McAvoy recounted moments of stress on set, particularly when he was focused on directing actors but was simultaneously informed of logistical issues, such as a lack of Portaloos for the crew. He remarked, "You'd literally be sitting there trying to go, 'I need more love' or 'I need more comedy', and somebody is whispering in your ear, 'We can't get the Portaloos for tomorrow.'" This juggling act led him to declare directing as "the most stressful experience of my life," especially as he navigated this challenge during a midlife crisis.
McAvoy's reflections on his career reveal a man who has been in the industry for over 20 years, a fact he acknowledged with a mix of humor and humility. He reminisced about his early experiences, including filming at Cliveden House for The Chronicles of Narnia in 2005, and how his career progressed through notable roles in productions such as State of Play, Shameless, The Last King of Scotland, Atonement, and the X-Men films. He described his latest project as a new foothold in his career, emphasizing the importance of storytelling that reflects the realities of those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In discussing the film, McAvoy touched on the serious themes it explores, particularly the perceptions of Scottish people. He noted that the film includes a mural quoting a famous line from Trainspotting: "It’s s**te being Scottish," which captures the struggles of identity and acceptance faced by many Scots. He remarked, "The sound that comes out of our mouth seems to make people go 'Ahhhh!' sometimes." This sentiment resonates with his experiences of being misunderstood due to his accent, which he described as having become "so f****** mellow" over time.
In a separate interview with the Irish Times, McAvoy elaborated on the similarities and differences between Scottish and Irish identities, stating, "When speaking to somebody who is of Celtic extraction, somebody who, in particularly, is Irish, there are so many similarities with Scottish people, even more so west-of-Scotland people." He humorously claimed to be "75% f**king Donegal," emphasizing the cultural ties that bind the two nations.
McAvoy's comments also touched on the contentious issue of Scottish independence. He explained that, unlike Ireland, which has its own government and cultural output, Scotland remains underrepresented within the UK. He conveyed a sense of cultural exploration surrounding the independence topic, saying, "There are many things to explore in my nation culturally." He made it clear that he does not wish to take a political stance, stating, "I think I’m a storyteller. If I want to tell a story about independence, I’ll make a film about it." His reflections prompted a response from a spokesperson for the Scottish National Party (SNP), who echoed his sentiments about independence and representation.
As McAvoy embarks on this new chapter in his career, he acknowledges the unpredictability of the film industry. He stated, "You can’t do 30 years in the business if you don’t make peace with the fact that you don’t know what’s next." With two more films set to release this year, McAvoy remains committed to his craft, balancing the challenges of directing and acting with a passionate dedication to storytelling.
As the release date for California Schemin' approaches, audiences can look forward to a film that entertains and provokes thought about identity, culture, and the realities faced by those from less privileged backgrounds. McAvoy's directorial debut a captivating exploration of the Scottish experience, infused with humor and emotional depth.