James McAvoy’s last-minute transformation in ’Split’ and the art of quick adaptation
A surprise casting twist
James McAvoy recently shared an intriguing behind-the-scenes story on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, where he discussed his unexpected and rapid preparation for his role in the horror thriller Speak No Evil. However, it was his revelation about M. Night Shyamalan’s Split that truly captured the audience’s attention.
The challenge of a last-minute role
McAvoy revealed that he was cast in Split just two weeks before production began, following Joaquin Phoenix’s sudden departure from the project. When asked if it felt strange to step into a role initially meant for Phoenix, McAvoy humorously responded, “No, definitely not. I’m confident enough to think that I will do it better anyway. I’m joking. I just like saying the wrong thing.”
He continued, “Are you kidding? He’s an amazing actor. He’d give a very different performance than the one I did but an incredible one. Sometimes coming in last minute is the best way. I think he ditched it two weeks before they started shooting. It was really last minute. I had a couple of weeks [to prep]. Two weeks. The script was well put together so a lot of it was clear what I wanted to do straight away. A couple characters took a little longer to find. Patricia came quick. Hedwig took awhile.”
The complexity of ‘Split’
In Split, McAvoy portrayed a character with dissociative identity disorder, embodying 23 distinct personalities. This role demanded an extraordinary range of acting skills and a deep understanding of each persona. McAvoy admitted that it wasn’t until the table read that he fully grasped all the different characters, given the short notice he had to prepare.
The art of quick adaptation
McAvoy’s experience highlights the unique challenges and opportunities that come with last-minute casting. While it can be daunting to step into a role with minimal preparation time, it can also lead to a more instinctive and raw performance. McAvoy’s portrayal in Split is a testament to his ability to adapt quickly and deliver a compelling performance under pressure.
Joaquin Phoenix’s recent decisions
Interestingly, Phoenix has made headlines recently for pulling out of another project, a new Todd Haynes movie, just five days before filming was set to begin. This decision forced Haynes and his team to shelve the project indefinitely. When asked about his decision at the Venice Film Festival, Phoenix responded, “If I do [comment], I’d just be sharing my opinion from my perspective and the other creatives aren’t here to say their piece, and so I don’t think that would be helpful.”
The impact on the industry
These last-minute casting changes can have significant impacts on film productions. Entire sets had been built in Guadalajara, Mexico, for the Haynes movie before Phoenix’s departure. Such decisions can lead to delays, increased costs, and the need for rapid adjustments by the cast and crew.
Reflections for cinema enthusiasts
For cinema enthusiasts, these stories offer a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of the film industry. They highlight the importance of flexibility and resilience for actors and filmmakers alike. McAvoy’s ability to step into a complex role with minimal preparation time and deliver a standout performance is a testament to his talent and dedication.
Exploring ‘Speak No Evil’
As for McAvoy’s latest project, Speak No Evil, it is now playing in theaters nationwide. This horror movie promises to deliver another captivating performance from McAvoy, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Final thoughts
James McAvoy’s experiences in Split and Speak No Evil offer valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of last-minute casting. His ability to adapt quickly and deliver compelling performances under pressure is a testament to his skill and dedication as an actor. For cinema enthusiasts, these stories provide a deeper understanding of the complexities and unpredictability of the film industry.