James McAvoy's Directorial Debut 'California Schemin' Gets Trailer, October Release
A trailer has dropped for actor James McAvoy's first movie behind the camera. The Hollywood Reporter exclusively debuted the preview for "California Schemin'," a fact-based comedy set for an October 9 theatrical bow.
The film, per THR, tracks two Scottish rappers, played by Séamus McLean Ross and Samuel Bottomley, who pose as Californians to scam their way into the U.S. hip-hop scene in the early 2000s. McAvoy also stars as a record exec who falls for the con, telling them they could be "the next D12, the next Eminem."
The story is adapted from Gavin Bain's autobiography and was previously explored in a 2013 documentary. The logline reveals the duo, mocked for their accents, rebranded as fake Californians, landed a deal with Sony, and partied with stars before their scheme collapsed.
McAvoy told The Hollywood Reporter he's wanted to direct since his teens, a drive that intensified after three decades acting alongside industry leaders. He said the project let him spotlight stories from people with backgrounds like his own while aiming to entertain.
The movie first screened at the Toronto film festival this year. A review in THR called McAvoy's direction "nimbly paced" and a "buoyant excursion."
Supporting cast includes Lucy Halliday and Rebekah Murrell. The script is by Elaine Gracie and Archie Thomson.
