Actors have many outlets for their talent. Stage and screen opportunities aren't limited by geography but Hollywood is the name synonymous with hitting the big time. Without doubt, James McAvoy has accomplished that feat.
Odds are you've seen the trailer for the new movie Wanted, which opens June 27, 2008. The film's female lead, Angelina Jolie, is no stranger to action flicks; this is McAvoy's first attempt at the genre. If his prior roles are any indication, he'll embody the character.
Oh Yeah, That Guy
Most Americans recognize McAvoy from recent award winning films such as Atonement and The Last King of Scotland. You might be surprised to find he's been in the business for quite some time. IMDB lists his first movie as The Near Room (1995). Though he had parts in other movies, he worked mostly in television from 1995 to 2004. His most notable credits include the roles of Steve McBride in the UK's award winning dramedy Shameless, and Leto Atreides II in the Sci-Fi Channel's mini-series Children of Dune.
Between 2004 and 2006, he gave noteworthy performances in two high profile films and one blockbuster movie. His role as Carl Colt in the romantic comedy Wimbledon allowed him to exercise his comedic skills. The film also starred Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst.
The character Rory O'Shea in Inside I'm Dancing (Rory O'Shea Was Here) brought him well-deserved critical acclaim. He portrayed a young man confined to a wheelchair with Muscular Dystrophy. His enactment was brilliant and earned him an ALFS nomination for British Actor of the Year in 2005.
He gave his breakout performance underneath layers of prosthetics and body hair as Mr. Tumnus in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Not only did his portrayal please die-hard fans of the books, it brought him to the attention of Hollywood heavy-hitters.
Causing a Sensation
The 2007 awards season was good to the Scotsman. He received four nominations and one win for his role in The Last King of Scotland. His superb depiction of Tom Lefroy, in the Jane Austen biography Becoming Jane, was overlooked but no less impressive.
If 2007 was good to the actor, 2008 was fantastic. Despite the Oscar's neglect, his portrayal of Robbie Turner in Atonement earned him Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for Best Actor and an IFTA nod for Best International Actor. It also won him the ALFS Award for British Actor of the Year and the Empire Award for Best Actor.
What's Next for the Scot?
McAvoy is currently filming The Last Station. The film about Russian author Leo Tolstoy also stars Christopher Plummer, Helen Mirren and Paul Giamatti. It's rumored he'll take on the role of Bilbo Baggins in the upcoming Hobbit films directed by Guillermo del Toro. However, James revealed to Manny the Movie Guy the rumors are false. "It's not true," he said. "It's all internet rumorings and nothing true."
Whether del Toro offers him the role of Bilbo or not, James McAvoy should be sought after to fill many more roles on the big screen. Current fans eagerly await future offerings and his next two movies will undoubtedly broaden that fan base.
For information about McAvoy's competition in Hollywood, read Diverse Actors, an article about three other talented thespians.
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