THE MARQUEE
James McAvoy didn't hold back during his April 3, 2026, appearance on BBC’s ‘The Claudia Winkleman Show’. The X-Men star described his first time behind the camera for the feature film California Schemin’ as a "nightmare" that he "wouldn't wish on his worst enemy." McAvoy explained that the intensity of directing while also performing a role in the movie created an overwhelming workload that pushed him to his limits.
The film, which recently filmed on location in Glasgow, tells the true story of Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd. In the late 1990s, the Scottish duo famously rebranded themselves as an American rap act called Silibil N’ Brains to land a record deal with Sony Music. While McAvoy handles directorial duties, the two lead roles are portrayed by actors Seamus McLean Ross and Samuel Bottomley.
Despite the personal strain, McAvoy expressed pride in the project, which is based on Bain’s 2010 memoir. The narrative explores how the duo fooled the music industry for years before their deception was uncovered. Though the process of balancing two major roles was grueling, the film remains one of the most anticipated British releases for the upcoming season, marking a significant transition in McAvoy’s career.
