James McAvoy announces directorial debut
Scottish actor James McAvoy has announced that he will step behind the camera as a director for the first time.
The Glaswegian is a BAFTA winner and has had starring roles in major films such as Split and the X-Men series.
His directorial debut will follow the true story of two Scots who conned the international music industry in the 1990s.
Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd found their Dundonian accents were barring the success of their music careers, deciding to rebrand as Californian rappers called ‘Silibil N’ Brains’.
They relocated to London and claimed to be associated with Eminem, re-recording their songs and earning a record label before being outed as phonies.
Speaking to Deadline, McAvoy said of the story’s appeal: “What these two young men from Dundee attempted beggars belief.
“I can’t wait to bring this absolutely incredible, and also very Scottish/Californian story to the cinema.”
McAvoy, 44, was brought up in Drumchapel and lived in Scotland until moving to London at 21.
The as-yet-untitled film will begin shooting next year, with the majority of the production to take place in Scotland.
“Using Scottish talent behind and in front of the camera is something I’m passionate about and I’m over the moon to be making my directorial debut in my homeland,” McAvoy continued.
“The film will first and foremost be a celebration of the Scottish spirit, but the ‘Silibil N’ Brains’ duo’s audacious fakery can’t help but appeal to audiences worldwide.”
The star will be working alongside producer Guy J Louthan of Homefront Productions, with casting expected to be started by Kahleen Crawford before the end of the year.
