WASHINGTON: James McAvoy has recalled a humorous early-career audition that went wrong after he attempted to fake a Northern English accent, according to People.
In an interview, the Scottish actor said the audition took place in Manchester “years and years ago”, when his agent told him that casting directors were only considering local talent. In response, McAvoy, who is from Glasgow, decided to try his hand at a regional accent.
Remembering the moment, he said he introduced himself in an exaggerated tone, joking, “Ah, right mate, I’m from… Wethenhulme?”
Remembering the moment, he said he introduced himself in an exaggerated tone, joking, “Ah, right mate, I’m from… Wethenhulme?”
Reflecting on the experience, he admitted he had no idea what he was doing. “I don’t know where the hell I’m from, I’m just making stuff up. And it didn’t go well,” he said, as quoted by People.
After the audition, McAvoy encountered actor Tom Hardy in the waiting room, who appeared amused. He recalled Hardy giving him a sceptical look and simply saying, “Alright, mate.”
McAvoy is currently promoting his film California Schemin’, which released in the United Kingdom on 10 April and marks his directorial debut. The film follows two Scottish boys who pose as a Californian rap duo in a bid to break into the music industry.
Based on Gavin Bain’s memoir, the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025.
The project stars Samuel Bottomley and Seamus McLean Ross, alongside McAvoy and James Corden, among others, according to People.
(With inputs from ANI)