James McAvoy’s feature directorial debut was just acquired by Magenta Light Studios. California Schemin’ is set in the 1990s and tells the story of aspiring musicians, Bain and Billy Boyd, who, after being dismissed for their Scottish accents, reinvent themselves as California rappers. This reinvention includes re-recording their music with American accents and lying about their backstory. As they gain success, it becomes harder and harder to sustain their lies. McAvoy also stars in the film alongside Sean McLean Ross and Samuel Bottomley, who play the deceitful duo.

The film, which originally premiered at the 2025 Toronto Film Festival, is set to release in theaters in the US later this year. It’s based on Gavin Bain’s autobiography of the same name and the true story was previously told in the 2013 SXSW documentary, The Great Hip Hop Hoax.

McAvoy has expressed excitement about his directorial opportunity. Previously telling The Hollywood Reporter, “It’s a whole new world for me to do this. I’ve got experience with everything else after we start rehearsals. This whole period of prep, I’ve never been a part of it, so I’m excited”.

Magenta Light Studios are also supportive of McAvoy’s vision and direction releasing the following statement via The Hollywood Reporter, “California Schemin’ is a wildly entertaining and well-crafted film and showcases James McAvoy’s remarkable talent as a director. We are thrilled to bring this unique and compelling story to audiences across the United States”.

California Schemin’ currently holds a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes and Jessica Kiang of Variety writes, “…while the main engine of the movie chugs merrily away to an audience-friendly, exportable beat, is good reason to watch “California Schemin'” and better reason still to be curious about what he might deliver in future, working in his own voice”. Based on the Rotten Tomatoes score and current reviews, the film seems on track to be a success.