James McAvoy‘s directorial debut already hit theaters in the UK in the Spring, but now it’s time for his rap comedy, heralded out of TIFF last Fall, to reach stateside audiences. And to drum up hype, there’s a new trailer for the film available to watch today ahead of its October 9 release date.
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 Magenta Light Studios:
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.
“California Schemin'” hits US theaters on October 9. Watch the new trailer for the comedy below.
