Summary
Overview
Dax Shepard and Monica Padman interview acclaimed Scottish actor and first-time director James McAvoy about his journey from Glasgow council estates to Hollywood stardom. The conversation explores McAvoy's unconventional path to acting, his childhood shaped by mental health awareness and working-class roots, the complexities of fame and identity sacrifice in show business, and his directorial debut with 'California Scheming'—a film about two Scottish rappers who pretended to be American to break into the music industry.
The Want Role That Got Away
Dax shares his personal connection to James's career, recounting how he was set to star in 'Wanted' with director Timur Bekmambetov until James became available again. After initially being disappointed, Dax watched 'The Last King of Scotland' and was blown away by James's performance, realizing he wouldn't have cast himself over McAvoy. James clarifies the actual situation: the studio wanted a bigger American star, and he camera-tested three times while they debated giving Timur his choice.
- Dax had meetings and was negotiating for 'Wanted' when told another actor was now available
- That actor was James McAvoy, whom Dax had never heard of at the time
- Weeks later, Dax saw 'The Last King of Scotland' and had an Ewan McGregor in Trainspotting revelation moment
- James clarifies he was never unavailable—the studio just wanted someone more established
" I'm watching this movie and I'm having the experience that I've only had a couple times. I'm having the experience I had watching Ewan McGregor in Trainspotting. Who is this fucking actor I'm watching? He's incredible in it. "
" I wouldn't have hired 10 of me to play this guy. It was the most satisfying experience with finding out you didn't get something because of someone else. "
Growing Up in Glasgow's Drum Chapel
James reflects on his working-class upbringing in Glasgow's Drum Chapel council estate, describing a childhood full of adventure, territorial battles between neighborhoods, and economic hardship that didn't feel limiting at the time. He discusses how his mother worked as a psychiatric nurse and how mental illness and substance abuse were prevalent in his community, creating an early awareness that shaped his worldview. Despite limited opportunities, he felt his days were vibrant and exciting, though looking back at documentary footage reveals how challenging conditions actually were.
- Council estates are the Scottish equivalent of housing projects, not fancy government properties
- Drum Chapel felt like the Wild West with kids running wild, having stone-throwing battles and territorial disputes between neighborhoods
- His mother was a psychiatric nurse, exposing him to mental health issues and substance abuse from a young age
- Glasgow was the drug death capital of Europe in the 80s and remains so today
- He developed early awareness of others' struggles, sensitizing him to what people go through—a key reason he became an actor
" You don't really get too many rom-coms set in a project. You don't get too many buddy movies about two kids from project. That's kind of what I wanted to do with this even though it's a true story. "
" I felt like I'd be all right. I didn't necessarily expect to make it as an actor. I was very aware that 95% of actors are out of work at any one time. There was nobody there for me to see it to be it. "
📚 8 more sections below
Sign up to unlock the complete summary with all insights, key points, and quotes
Get this summary + all future Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard episodes in your inbox
100% Free • Unsubscribe Anytime
Sign up now and we'll send you the complete summary of this episode, plus get notified when new Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard episodes are released—delivered straight to your inbox within minutes.