How James McAvoy Once Again Called on His Beastly Instincts for Speak No Evil

How James McAvoy Once Again Called on His Beastly Instincts for Speak No Evil

As a seasoned gamer with countless hours spent navigating dark, twisted narratives and uncovering hidden truths, I can confidently say that James McAvoy’s performance in “Speak No Evil” is something to look forward to. His transformation from charming host to sinister antagonist mirrors the immersive journey of many games, where initial appearances can be deceiving and characters must evolve to survive.


In case you believed that Kevin Wendell Crumb met his demise at the close of Glass, think again! Instead, ol’ Crumb upped sticks and relocated to Europe, swapping his identity for a fresh moniker – “Paddy,” if you please.

Indeed, it appears that actor James McAvoy’s portrayal in the trailers for the upcoming Blumhouse production of “Speak No Evil,” distributed by Universal Pictures, carries a striking resemblance to his character from the movie “Split.” However, it might be slightly overstating the case.

It’s quite fitting to note that, just like the former X-Men cast member, he tapped into deep, primitive feelings for his work on the suspenseful drama. This movie revolves around a family of three who unwittingly put their faith in the wrong individuals while enjoying a holiday vacation.

For More on Blumhouse:

1. Jason Blum rejoices as production begins on Universal Horror’s The Wolf Man, alongside director Leigh Whannell.

James McAvoy Teases “Bestial” Character Work in Speak No Evil

How James McAvoy Once Again Called on His Beastly Instincts for Speak No Evil

In the movie, Paddy initially appears to be an ordinary man. He’s friendly, likable, and says he’s a doctor. This pleasant demeanor is used to attract the Dalton family – Louise (played by Mackenzie Davis), Ben (Scoot McNairy), and their 11-year-old daughter Agnes (Alex West Lefler) – to a secluded countryside home, where the actual events unfold. As it transpires, Paddy bears more resemblance to Jack Torrance than Danny Tanner.

During an interview at San Diego Comic-Con last month, James McAvoy explained his approach in the beginning of the film, where he aimed to portray his character as soft and gentle, given the setting was a holiday. This was to downplay the fact that this character was clearly a villain. By the end of the movie, he adopted typical actor behaviors such as reducing carbs, working out before each take, and adopting a more menacing, beast-like demeanor for his malevolent role.

According to writer/director James Watkins, he purposefully removed layers from the character’s clothing to symbolize a gradual reveal of his inner nature. He initially wears softer garments, but as the film progresses, these layers are peeled away, allowing us to see more and more of the beast that lies within him, following this pattern throughout the movie.

How James McAvoy Once Again Called on His Beastly Instincts for Speak No Evil

Regarding the reason why our team decided to rework the critically acclaimed Danish film that inspired “Speak No Evil,” McAvoy likened it to interpreting famous Shakespeare plays differently. He stated, during an interview with Collider at SDCC, that one wouldn’t ask, “Why should we see another version of Macbeth? Why do we need two adaptations of Macbeth?” Instead, we have numerous interpretations of Macbeth, not remakes. We don’t redo Macbeth; we simply present Macbeth.

Simultaneously, using an English-speaking team enabled us to explore slightly distinct aspects culturally, according to Watkins.

The filmmaker explained, “The movie delves deep into social fears and apprehensions, yet offers something unique. Christian Tafdrup’s film is dark and nihilistic, but ours is more like a thrilling roller coaster. We’ve added more humor and excitement to it, while staying true to the themes. In the final act, we take it to another level, and that’s intentional. I hope it turns out to be an intelligent, entertaining, exhilarating roller coaster ride.”

When Does Speak No Evil Open in Theaters?

Speak No Evil arrives on the big screen Friday, September 13.

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2024-08-06 20:16