'X-Men' actor James McAvoy gets attacked at a bar in Toronto - Report

James McAvoy, the ‘X-Men’ actor, was recently in the news for attending the Toronto International Film Festival 2025 for his directional debut ‘California Schemin.'' During his visit, he reportedly met with an unfortunate incident, as the actor was attacked by a stranger in a bar in Toronto. Read on to know more about the incident

James McAvoy gets attacked at a bar by a drunk stranger

According to People, McAvoy was caught off guard in the middle of the night, at the bar Charlotte’s Room. As the man, who had a little too much to drink, hit the Scottish actor, he attempted to de-escalate the situation, while eyewitnesses intervened. Later, the 46-year-old laughed with the staff members and customers about the incident.


"James was having a casual get-together with the producers of his movie and, as he later learned when speaking with the staff, there was a man who drank too much who was getting escorted out," the report claimed, before adding, "James' back was towards him and the man just punched him."

The incident left everyone in shock.

About 'California Schemin’'

McAvoy attended the film festival with his wife, Lisa Liberati, on September 6 for the world premiere of ‘California Schemin’.’ Inspired by the real story of Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd, the film revolves around the two aspiring rappers from Scotland. While the London music industry laughs at them because of their accents, they find a home by rebranding themselves as ‘Silibil N’ Brains’ of the U.S. West Coast.

James McAvoy's debut as a director

“I've loved telling stories as an actor for 30 years,” he said, when asked about his experience as a director. McAvoy continued, “It's an extension of that. I now love telling stories as a director because I get more tools with which to tell those stories. It was a privilege,” adding that it was stressful but amazingly rewarding.