James McAvoy recently shared an intriguing story about how a wild night at a Comic-Con party led to his casting in M. Night Shyamalan’s film, Split. During an interview at Entertainment Weekly’s Comic-Con 2024 video suite, McAvoy recounted the events of that fateful night in 2015, which ultimately changed the course of his career.
The party, hosted by Entertainment Weekly, took place on a rooftop and quickly escalated into chaos. McAvoy recalled, “There was an EW party in 2015, maybe. We were on the roof, and it got crazy, and somebody ended up getting knocked out. Not in anger, not in a fight, but one of our mates ended up getting knocked out.”
This unexpected turn of events caught the attention of Shyamalan, who was also in attendance. McAvoy explained, “It was ’round about that moment that M. Night Shyamalan looked over at me from somewhere else in the party and went, ‘Oh, I wonder if that guy could play the guy in Split?'”
This moment of serendipity led to McAvoy being cast as Kevin, a man with 23 distinct personalities in the psychological thriller. The film, which features three teenage girls kidnapped by Kevin, became a significant success and marked a major comeback for Shyamalan.
In a previous Comic-Con panel for his film Glass, Shyamalan had hinted at this story, noting that McAvoy’s buzzed haircut at the party helped him envision the actor in the role. The casting decision proved to be a pivotal moment for both McAvoy and Shyamalan, as Split was a critical and commercial success, further solidifying Shyamalan’s reputation as a master of suspense.
McAvoy’s career has continued to flourish since Split, with his latest project being Speak No Evil, a psychological thriller set to hit theaters on September 13. The film follows two couples from different backgrounds who become friends while on vacation, only for their relationship to take a dark turn when they visit their new friends’ rustic country home. McAvoy described the film as “Blumhouse at its best,” emphasizing its blend of entertainment and genuine horror.
As McAvoy reflects on his journey, he acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the film industry and how chance encounters can lead to life-changing opportunities. The story of how a party incident led to his role in Split serves as a reminder of the serendipity that often accompanies creative endeavors.
In conclusion, James McAvoy’s experience at the Comic-Con party exemplifies how unexpected moments can lead to significant career milestones. His casting in Split not only revitalized his career but also contributed to M. Night Shyamalan’s resurgence in the film industry. As McAvoy continues to take on diverse roles, audiences can look forward to his upcoming projects, including Speak No Evil, which promises to deliver the same level of suspense and intrigue that fans have come to expect from his work.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
