Most movie fans know James McAvoy for his physically intense performances, like those in “Split,” “Glass,” and “Speak No Evil.” Or maybe his more subdued superhero turns as Charles Xavier in the recent spate of “X-Men” films. But the Scottish actor remains, first and foremost, a man of his people, and that’s who he turns to for the source material of his directorial debut, “California Schemin’.”
Based on Gavin Bain‘s 2010 memoir “California Schemin’: How Two Lads From Scotland Conned The Music Industry,” McAvoy’s film follows a grift for musical stardom that must be seen to be believed.
Here’s an official synopsis for the film, courtesy of Studiocanal:
Based on the outrageous true story, CALIFORNIA SCHEMIN’ follows two aspiring Scottish MCs who devise an audacious scheme to achieve their dream of a record deal, by posing as Californian hip hop artists. As fame beckons and the lies pile up, their friendship is put to the test.
“California Schemin'” stars Samuel Bottomley, Séamus McLean Ross, Lucy Halliday, Rebekah Murrell, and McAvoy.
For his directorial debut, McAvoy helms a script by Archie Thomson and Elaine Gracie. Producers include Danny Page, Paul Aniello, Simon Kay, Michael Mendelsohn.
McAvoy’s film had its world premiere at TIFF 2025, where The Playlist awarded it a “B” rating (read our review here), with additional screenings at the 20th Rome Film Festival. Studiocanal bought the movie’s UK distribution rights ahead of its TIFF world premiere, but it still seeks a US distributor.
“California Schemin'” hits UK theaters on April 10, and stay tuned for how/when it’ll reach US audiences. Watch a new trailer for the film below.
