James McAvoy directorial debut 'California Schemin’ set for October US release

James McAvoy is set to make his feature directorial debut with California Schemin’, which now has a confirmed theatrical release schedule in the United States. The film will open in New York and Los Angeles on October 2 before expanding nationwide on October 9.

The project, distributed by Magenta Light Studios, also features McAvoy as part of the cast. It is based on the autobiography of Gavin Bain and tells a story rooted in music, identity and reinvention.

Set in the late 1990s, the film follows Bain and Billy Boyd, two aspiring musicians from Scotland who struggle to gain recognition due to their accents.

Facing repeated rejection, they adopt new personas as American rappers. The pair re-record their music using American accents and create fabricated backstories connecting them to the US hip-hop scene.

Their approach initially brings success, including a record deal, financial backing and exposure on MTV. However, as their profile grows, maintaining the deception becomes increasingly difficult, with the risk of exposure threatening their careers.

The cast includes Séamus McLean Ross, Samuel Bottomley and Lucy Halliday in leading roles. The screenplay was written by Archie Thomson and Elaine Grace. The film previously premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and was released in the United Kingdom and Ireland in April.

McAvoy commented on the film’s themes and release, stating, “There’s something brilliantly fitting about bringing this true story to America, considering that’s where the boys claimed to be from all along.” He added, “At its heart, it’s a story about reinvention, ambition, and identity, inspired by a love of American music and culture.”