James McAvoy makes his feature directorial debut with California Schemin’, a biopic based on what has been described as an “unbelievable hip-hop hoax.”
The film tells the true story of Scottish MCs Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd, who posed as American hip-hop artists and rose to fame in the music industry. Performing under the name Silibil N’ Brains, the duo managed to convince record executives and audiences alike before their web of lies began to unravel.
Séamus McLean Ross and Samuel Bottomley star as the aspiring rappers, while McAvoy plays the record label boss who is ultimately duped by the pair. The film explores themes of ambition, fame, deception and friendship through a classic rise-and-fall narrative.
Written by Elaine Gracie and Archie Thomson, the movie had its world premiere at the 2025 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival. It currently holds a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising it as an energetic, entertaining and compelling underdog story.
California Schemin’ will have its UK premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival on March 8, ahead of its theatrical release in the UK and Ireland on April 10, 2026.
Watch the trailer here:
