James McAvoy’s directorial debut, California Schemin’, will premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival on March 8th, ahead of its UK and Ireland cinema release on April 10th, 2026, STUDIOCANAL announced today.
The film, based on a true story, follows Gavin, played by Séamus McLean Ross, and Billy, portrayed by Samuel Bottomley, two aspiring Scottish MCs who concoct a plan to pose as Californian hip hop artists in an attempt to land a record deal. Lucy Halliday and Rebekah Murrell also star alongside McAvoy, who appears in an unspecified role.
The trailer, unveiled today, showcases the comedic elements of the duo’s audacious scheme, highlighting their attempts to convincingly adopt a Californian persona. According to a synopsis provided by STUDIOCANAL, the film explores how their friendship is tested as fame looms and their deception grows.
California Schemin’ marks a new venture for McAvoy, known for his acting roles in films such as X-Men and Atonement. The film’s premiere in Glasgow signifies a return to Scotland for McAvoy and the cast. The film is based on an “improbably true story,” as described by liveforfilm.com.
The film’s release in April will follow the Glasgow Film Festival premiere. Metro.co.uk describes the film as following two Scottish MCs who “devise an audacious scheme to achieve their dream of a record deal, by posing as Californian hip hop artists.”
