How Filming in Wales Ignited James McAvoy's Lifelong Passion for the Outdoors
Scottish actor James McAvoy credits his early career in Wales with sparking a love of hiking and camping that stayed with him for years.
James McAvoy's Welsh Roots and a Love for the Great Outdoors
Scottish actor James McAvoy has revealed that his formative years working in Wales left a lasting impression — one that extended far beyond the camera. The 47-year-old star credits his time filming in the region with igniting a genuine passion for outdoor adventure that shaped much of his early adult life.
Lorna Doone and the Brecon Beacons
One of McAvoy's earliest television appearances came in the 2000 BBC period drama Lorna Doone, a production that brought him to the sweeping landscapes of Bannau Brycheiniog — commonly known as the Brecon Beacons. Speaking with presenter Behnaz Akhgar on BBC Radio Wales, McAvoy recalled seizing every available moment between scenes to explore the terrain, particularly climbing Pen y Fan, the tallest peak in south Wales.
"It was really being in Brecon that got me into camping and hiking," McAvoy told the programme. "I did a lot of it until I was 30."
The BBC drama follows a young man driven by revenge following his father's murder, and his fateful meeting with the story's titular character. Notably, the production drew criticism from fans of the original 19th-century novel, who objected to the decision to shoot in Wales rather than on Exmoor in Devon, where the story is actually set.
A Return to Wales for His Dark Materials
McAvoy's connection to Wales didn't end with Lorna Doone. He later returned to the country to film the acclaimed fantasy series His Dark Materials, which was shot across multiple Welsh locations between 2018 and 2021. Reflecting on his time in Cardiff during that production, McAvoy described it as "a really good time" in his life, adding that he gained "a real good taste" of the city.
McAvoy Steps Behind the Camera with California Schemin'
Beyond his acting career — which includes landmark roles in the X-Men franchise, Atonement, and The Last King of Scotland — McAvoy has now taken his first step into directing with California Schemin', which arrived in UK cinemas last month.
A Story of Identity, Ambition, and Working-Class Roots
The comedy-drama is based on the true story of Scottish rappers Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd, who performed under the name Silibil N' Brains. In a bold bid to land a record deal, the duo fabricated an entirely fictional California identity, concealing their Scottish origins from the music industry.
McAvoy described the project as "extremely exciting," explaining that it gave him the opportunity to bring underrepresented communities and people from lower-income backgrounds to the screen — something he feels is long overdue.
"I was so excited because we can make an entertaining film about places that I recognise from my childhood," he said. "I never see these places represented on screen, certainly not in Scotland."
Keeping It Tight: McAvoy's Directorial Philosophy
As a first-time director, McAvoy also shared his thoughts on pacing and audience engagement. Reacting against the trend for lengthy feature films, he set out to craft something lean and energetic.
"I wanted to make a film finish before the audience wanted the film to finish," he explained — a philosophy that reflects both his respect for viewers and his instinct for sharp, purposeful storytelling.
