James McAvoy recalls set bullying and health crisis

Actor James McAvoy has shared several personal reflections regarding his career and health. During an appearance on ‘Watch What Happens Live’, McAvoy recalled being bullied by a co-star during his first professional role on the HBO miniseries ‘Band of Brothers’. He explained that the incident occurred on his first day of filming a large ensemble scene in a bar. He suggested the bullying stemmed from resentment among other actors who had been on the production for months but had minimal dialogue, whereas his character was given a significant arc and many lines.

McAvoy also discussed his experience filming the 2007 period drama ‘Atonement’. He revealed that he felt ‘too socially awkward’ to participate in the director’s plan for the main cast and crew to live together in one house. To maintain his privacy, he convinced director Joe Wright to let him live in a separate cottage on the manor grounds, arguing that his character’s working-class background justified the distance.

Additionally, McAvoy opened up about a life-threatening medical crisis in 2017. Following a lung biopsy intended to investigate a shadow on his lung, he suffered a collapsed lung while alone at home. The complication led to a three-week hospital stay and a life-saving operation. He noted that the experience ultimately changed his perspective on life and required intensive rehabilitation to prepare for his role in the film ‘Glass’.