James McAvoy has made a name for himself as an action hero in Wanted and X-Men First Class, but it’s his roots in British drama Shameless that could see him playing disgraced politician Tommy Sheridan.
The actor is the first choice of author Denise Mina, who is in the middle of discussing film rights ahead of the release of her new novel based on the turbulent life of the Solidarity leader.
Speaking to STV’s Grant Lauchlan, McAvoy originally laughed at the thought before admitting that “quite possibly” it could work.
“Quite possibly, quite possibly,” he said. “You think to yourself: ‘Aw, I don’t think that would make a good movie’. I’ll be honest with you, that’s what I’m thinking right now. But, sometimes it’s the oddest things in life that make the best stories.
“So maybe it would be the best thing to come out of Britain in the last 20 years. Or maybe it would be rotten.”
McAvoy was speaking ahead of the release of his new movie X-Men First Class, which sees him take on the role of Charles Xavier.
The part was originally made famous by legendary thespian Patrick Stewart, but McAvoy is confident that he can fill those shoes:
“When I got offered the part to play Charles Xavier, I did think I was wrong for it to begin with, but I was very excited anyway.
“So I went and met the director and read the script and realised that actually it was about making [Xavier] very different, so I thought I could have a crack and see what happens.”
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