James McAvoy admits directing ‘California Schemin’ was brutal challenge

James McAvoy opened up about his experience directing for the first time ever.

The Chronicles of Narnia star, played Anthony Reid a mildly-psychotic label boss in the film which is based on true story of Scottish rap duo Silibil N’ Brains.

Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd from Dundee, after being rejected and mocked by London music industry, the pair decided to reinvent themselves as anarchic rappers from California.

In his interview on the BBC's The Claudia Winkleman Show, the Atonement actor said that while he was prepared and had made his mind about directing a film based on low-income people and council states in Scotland, he “wouldn't wish directing and acting on my worst enemy... it was a nightmare."

The X-Men star explained how he was often concentrating on instructing the cast when he was informed of problems such as a lack of portable toilets for the production crew.

He recalled, "You'd literally be sitting there trying to go, 'I need more love' or 'I need more comedy', and somebody is whispering your ear, 'We can't get the Portaloos for tomorrow."

The film is led by Seamus McLean Ross as Gavin 'Brains' Bain and Samuel Bottomley as Billy 'Silibil' Boyd.

The film had its premiere in UK at the Glasgow Film Festival in March 2026 and will be released in cinemas on April 10.

RELATED: James McAvoy reflects on Hollywood prejudice against Scottish actors