James McAvoy is stepping into the spotlight in a way that fans have never seen before. In his latest film, Speak No Evil, the acclaimed Scottish actor showcases a surprising talent: singing. The film, which hits theaters on September 13, features McAvoy in a role that is both commanding and complex, as he portrays a husband and father with a dark side.
One of the standout moments in the film occurs when McAvoy’s character, Paddy, breaks into song, performing Belinda Carlisle’s iconic hit “Heaven Is a Place on Earth.” At a special screening during San Diego Comic-Con, McAvoy humorously reflected on this experience, saying, “I got to sing some Belinda Carlisle, which is really a high point when you hear how bad my voice is.” His self-deprecating humor continued as he added, “You’ll be like, ‘Wow, they let him do that on camera.’ Yeah, that was probably the high point for me.”
In Speak No Evil, McAvoy stars alongside Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy, who play an American couple visiting an Italian countryside home. What begins as a seemingly idyllic getaway quickly turns sinister, largely due to McAvoy’s character, whose secrets begin to unravel. The film also features Aisling Franciosi as Paddy’s wife and Dan Hough as their mute son, Ant.
Directed by James Watkins, Speak No Evil is a remake of the 2022 Danish film of the same name. McAvoy shared that he intentionally avoided watching the original until after filming was complete. “It’s really just about creating something that came naturally from your response to the material rather than, ‘Hey, that was a great movie,’” he explained. “Luckily I hadn’t seen it. Otherwise, I think it would have been more difficult [to film].”
Mackenzie Davis echoed McAvoy’s sentiments, expressing that she felt no pressure in reinterpreting a recent classic. “When you do a version of Shakespeare, if you do a new version of King Lear or Macbeth, you never treat it as a remake. It’s like your own spin on it,” she said. Davis emphasized that the Danish film was so well-crafted that it deserved a fresh take, allowing for different cultural perspectives and anxieties to shape the narrative.
The film’s premise revolves around a family invited to spend a weekend at a picturesque country house by a couple they met while on holiday. However, the atmosphere shifts dramatically as it becomes clear that McAvoy’s character has ulterior motives. The tension builds as the story unfolds, leading to a gripping climax that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
In addition to his role in Speak No Evil, McAvoy has been busy with other projects. He teased the possibility of reprising his role as Charles Xavier from the X-Men franchise, hinting that fans might see the character return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “I think you’ll definitely see Charles making an appearance,” he said, leaving fans eager for more details.
Speak No Evil is set to be released in the UK a day earlier than in the US, on September 12, following a production delay caused by last year’s SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. The film promises to deliver a unique blend of horror and psychological tension, with McAvoy’s performance at its core.
As McAvoy continues to explore diverse roles, he is also set to direct a film based on the true story of Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd, two friends from Scotland who deceived the music industry into believing they were an established Californian rap duo. This venture marks a new chapter in McAvoy’s career, showcasing his versatility as both an actor and a filmmaker.
With Speak No Evil, audiences can expect a thrilling ride filled with unexpected twists, dark humor, and a memorable musical moment that highlights McAvoy’s willingness to step outside his comfort zone. As the film approaches its release date, fans are left wondering what other surprises McAvoy has in store.
Source: PEOPLE, Daily Mail
