Tales from Set: James McAvoy on "Split"

While backstage at The Tonight Show, James McAvoy shares the story of how getting pumped up for a scene ended up breaking his hand.
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Tales from Set: James McAvoy on "Split"
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[@LoPiccolo.]

Dudes pretty underrated.. But I'm happy his role as Professor X is giving him more attention.

[@JesusPulledMeThrough]

Yes!!!

[@KiaraLeeOfficial]

Totally agreed !!!!!! He should get more roles !

[@lilycanning9896]

agreedddss

[@esthers.9185]

I could listen to him talk for hours upon end and never get bored.

[@emercycrite]

Esther S. Same. Don't even need to know what he's talking about

[@andyp9969]

Esther S. Is he talking about the movie or politics? I got distracted by his dreaminess and his accent

[@DavidBallin]

Everyone's like "Hey it's professor X" but I'm like "Nah dudes that's Mr Tumnus from Narnia." Best half-goat I've ever seen.

[@ruwaida6489]

And I'm like "Actually, that's Bruce Robertson from Filth" Crazy, amazing movie

[@musically_insane]

Mr. Tumnus was my sexual awakening

[@JordanNMusic]

the dude from Wanted

[@Austral13]

The guy from Children of Dune :)

[@Jewlzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

Max/Johnny from Penelope

[@snake6706]

He's such a badass and an underrated actor

[@nancykotelniski9380]

i will never get tired of hearing that accent i swear 😍😍

[@jacobmattson7789]

I guess you could say the video ended because he had to split.

[@lilisosa1150]

Jacob Mattson 😂

[@ariellelipschitz54]

Jacob Mattson 😂

[@fallontonight]

media.giphy.com/media/avkOcdp7nwvde/giphy.gif

[@lunacxx1330]

Damn well done

[@deathbym0nkeys]

i could listen to him talk forever!

[@matokidoki]

man I have so much respect for him for him to decide to continue filming even with his injury...

[@katelivewire]

Just imagine how much damage was done cuz he worked w a broken hand for 2 days.....jesus christ that's hardcore

[@KeilKilolass]

For those who are having auditory issues: Full Transcript: 'I’m James Mcavoy and I’m telling you a story about something that happened on the film split. We were filming…I got this scene in the film where I’ve gotta play 8 characters in 4 minutes and I sort of built it up in my head that it was gonna be the most difficult thing I’ve ever done in my career and I better prepare hard for it, but the whole time that I’m preparing for it I’m like, it’s gonna be really hard, it’s gonna be really difficult. So of course, because I kept telling myself it was gonna be really difficult, it was really difficult…my own fault. So, I’m doing the scene and it’s just not that good, I’m not getting it right and it’s not terrible but it’s not what I know it could be and I’m getting really, really frustrated with myself. So I’m trying to amp myself up and instead of just relaxing, which is always the best way to go, I like smacked this door, this metal door and I’m like ggrrr yeaahh oomfmfff uugghhh, yeah I’m getting jeetered up here and then I do a take and it’s terrible again and then I got really annoyed with myself and I’m getting so annoyed, so I smacked the door again and like I’m really jeetered up now and I do the take and it’s just not good again and I’m so annoyed with myself that I smack the door again, I smack it as hard as I’ve ever smacked anything and I break my hand and I break this knuckle and I break the bone that connects the bit between those two knuckles. And I’m in the middle of the scene and this point and so I’m like chcchhmmmm and I kinda go white and I’ve seen the take actually of me doing this, it’s not the take we used in the film unfortunately, coz that would’ve been cool, but I’ve seen the take and I kinda go white and I can see myself going……yeah, yeah I’ve broken my hand, broken my hand, and then I carried on with the scene, which I was really proud of myself about doing. But ultimately, we ended up using different take, which was really quite rubbish. I didn’t tell anyone and I styled it out and I told everybody that I think I hurt my hand, but I didn’t tell anybody that I’d broken it. So, we finished filming two days later, and I went to the hospital after that, so I just, I worked with it for the next two days and I remember going; I had to fly back to London from Philly, 6 oclock in the evening and I had a day of before then and I went to my emergency, what do you call it, medical emergency place. And the guy’s going, how did you do this? And I said, acting…hahahaha. But later on in the film, my character goes through a transformation and at one point I had to transform from a female character that I play into a male character that I play and when I play the male guy, there are, I wear glasses, so I had to put the glasses on and as I put the glasses on, we filmed it two days later, and my hand was all swollen up like a boxing glove. And I remember when we were doing test screens, a couple of people were like oh my God, it’s like he’s transforming into the monster. And I was like yeeaahh I totally meant it, that there’s method in there somewhere. And that’s it, that’s the story.'

[@siibsz]

Nicholas Stephens LOOOL

[@lucamolta]

+Nicholas Stephens thank you for your generosity

[@c8tii]

Nicholas Stephens without it I would understand less than the half!! However is a really cool accent! 😍

[@marm2456]

God bless you

[@Wartholomew]

There's a place for you in Heaven.

[@MultiSLASHMAN]

He was brilliant at that movie!

[@swenyroy3913]

he's awesome... underrated as hell but epic...

[@fitriannisa4463]

Brilliant actor with such an attractive face and personality. Love James McAvoy

[@charfiomar3487]

ain't he the cutest goddamn thing ?

[@TheSingingsisters101]

Look, I don't care what people say. This film was absolutely brilliant(even if the ending scared tf out of me to the point where I was so concerned I cried a little, lol) and incredibly interesting and a must see and I honestly think he deserve a fricken Oscar for his performance because shit I've never been more impressed.

[@SanaKhatri]

He's so adorable with that Scottish accent though. I love him so much!

[@jacrooki9560]

all love and respect for James.. I really really want to meet him

[@bobjohnson5557]

Split was an excellent movie. Superb acting and, apparently, M Night shamalamadingdong finally got back to his 6th sense/unbreakable prime.

[@nicolerodriguez3719]

his accent 😍

[@beingplatypies63]

This reminded me of Leo DiCaprio in Django Unchained where he smashed his hand on the table with broken glasses and cut his hand but continued to act. The scene turned out really great. Now I can't wait to see Split after hearing this story from James. Anyway, JAMES PLS TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF NEXT TIME, YEAH? 💕

[@dariopalomo3020]

the beast? Not the beast... THE BEAST

[@carloszavala5080]

filth!!!!

[@samanthasmith390]

nice filth reference ;D

[@emilyhancock3456]

He was so fantastic in split, gave me a whole new appreciation for his incredible range as an actor

[@aimiskhan]

you know tbh i could pay attention for many hours and still dont know wtf he's talking about 😂 he's too attractive 😚

[@aditisk99]

Yeah sometimes I just end up seeing his beautiful face , he has a captivating personality.

[@ojj7546]

Saw Split today and James is awesome! I've been a fan since The Last King Of Scotland. He deserves to win an Oscar. :)

[@Thaheadband33]

I understood about 40% of this. I'm content with that.

[@AkshayDhargave]

LMAO! I guess it's most of us

[@lauravilchez2126]

For me this time he were so clear !!! ... watch another interviews... you can't understand any word ..

[@AznAngel1986]

Oh come on. He sounded perfect and I understood every word

[@abcdefu780]

I, a peruvian who speaks Spanish, understood everything :0

[@avistroian9598]

totally deserved an oscar for his performance on Split. And definitely deserving for his performance on Glass. HE'S NOT EVEN A METHOD ACTOR. IT'S REAL ACTING. this man is amazing and i hope people can see what i see... and by people i mean THE ACADEMY

[@qwertydvorak585]

he's a brilliant actor and so charming too

[@samanthasmith390]

This story makes me love him even more. And upon re-watching the movie I can definitely see the scenes where his hand is majorly swollen, poor guy (the part where Dennis and Patricia go on the train/subway and buy flowers at the station, as well as when Dennis is about to go back on the train). I'm surprised no one in the film-making process seemed to notice or care about it because it's still in the movie! It was lucky it was only two days left of filming until he got it treated.

[@emilywillis9912]

I love how proud he is that he broke his fist on a wall 😂😂 what a legend

[@madhatterteaparty2065]

Split gonna be wicked... James is a highly talented actor and so genuine.. I just adore him

[@emmasandri5465]

He's adorable :)

[@samsam1661]

god! i am in love with this creature

[@DensDaPens]

Saw the movie. F*cking brilliant!!!

[@mahnoor-akh9819]

Really recommend the movie to anyone out there. He is AMAZING in it🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@charleskey6339]

I really love the scene he was talking about it was so good

[@vava2303]

WOOW. BEAUTIFUL !!!

[@fawkes17mar]

His accent 😍

[@HSMike2]

it's crazy watching him in shameless when I was a kid and now becoming such a big star.

[@hollydorgan7375]

greatest​ actor in earth

[@baileybieganek2446]

Proof that acting is hard core😂 love James!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nataliegarrett7378]

U r a superb actor James

[@aishab007]

so frickin' adorable!!! :D ♥♥♥

[@TheJaredtheJaredlong]

I'm always surprised when I'm reminded he's Scottish. His ability to completely change his accent is astounding.

[@janette4750]

So damn good actor..and so sweet and lovely..and that voice ...oh my God😘..he is some kind of little God for me

[@adulthoodsucks]

Nobody couldve nailed the character as excellent as james did jus love him 😢❤

[@sunshinefogleman127]

He has the cutest smile. Love James McAvoy 🩷

[@HouseMDaddict]

i love him so much in various ways

[@heybigsplendour]

You're a champ James!

[@NewMessage]

I hear he's as pleasant on the set as his character is in the movie.

[@thablackdiamond]

New Message which one since he plays 9 lol

[@NewMessage]

thablackdiamond Got me there.. :)

[@marcbaker1136]

New Message my dad did props on split, James had lunch with the crew every chance he got and was a very nice and calm guy off camera

[@NewMessage]

Marc Baker I hope that's true, and the other rumors aren't.

[@thablackdiamond]

New Message I'm curious about what kind of rumours you're talking about because I've never heard a single bad thing about James McAvoy

[@sanjas.8889]

He is amazing!

[@TMadara]

Professor X?

[@jqyhlmnp]

TMadara no, he's the Indian guy from Lion

[@bianka246]

I LOVE HIM SO MUCH

[@dina.j]

love him!

[@AznAngel1986]

Poor guy. I remember that scene. His hand swelled double the size :(

[@d.jgutierrez768]

I like his accent.

[@swagatapaul5351]

love you james...you did an awesome job in split

[@dosvedonyaimsonya4471]

hair makes a huge difference

[@somegirlanna]

Yay, I love James! ♥ ^^

[@RyzenD]

Hi Jimmy! I am so excited to watch this movie!

[@yanyu8149]

great birthday gift to see James today

[@hachikun5013]

HIS ACCENT 😍😍😍 IS HE SCOTTISH, IRISH OR BRITISH?

[@cataciudad9938]

Hachi Kun Scottish. He is Scottish. The "r"s are much stronger that irish or english accent Also, irish people tend to do a sharper "u", more closed and noticeable than other accents. Take care!

[@hachikun5013]

Cata CF thank you!

[@robinanna5531]

Hachi Kun Scottish people are also British people.

[@amandatakos]

Scottish, English, Welsh, and Northern Irish people are all considered British.

[@HouseMDaddict]

Scottish are typically more agressive with some of their letter pronunciations. i also find many of them speak like they got lots of marbles and phlegm in their mouths. irish are a bit softer with their letters and usually have more inflections in their speech.

[@ramonaabdul]

OMG MY BAE😱😍

[@asmam3368]

3:01 I swear that was exactly my thought when i saw his hand in that scene!! So poor james he was filming with his hand broken for two days!

[@ari_ded6909]

I'm so excited to see spilt this weekend 😁😁😁

[@JesusPulledMeThrough]

Me too!!! I'm excited to see his acting! His face certainly doesn't hurt, either😉

[@katelovesbeauty98]

Can't believe he's Mr. Tumnas from Narnia

[@merveeille4357]

So all I got in a 3 minute video is that James McAvoy broke his Hand while shooting Split. This is literally all of the Story.

[@priscilajunger6276]

Delicious!!!!

[@TheRogelio007]

good actor .

[@gisellebautista686]

Hey Jimmy I love u so much

[@hadif.6477]

Wtf how can some ppl not understand him lolll he speaks so clearly tbh (and english is not even my first language lmao)

[@Majahhh1]

I WAS WONDERING WHY HIS HAD WAS SOOOOO BIG IN THAT SCENE IVE BEEN CONFUSED FOR WEEKS!

[@kindaouttaluck8410]

Robbie!!

[@Bellanouva]

Hey, it worked for Viggo in LOTR - broken toe shot used!

[@estersmejova]

Exactly! Love LotR.

[@maiaduffy1625]

Pll: uplayed that kevin guy in split Silence Death stare (james) James: kevin is far away..hes asleep..he cant hear you

[@hohchino6445]

Hi jimmy

[@alexisjoyner2720]

Etcetera...

[@ItsJeremyBeoch]

Does anyone know what part of the movie this scene was in or was it just completely cut??

[@tyk2be]

What is up with the audio fam. Also, what a sexy beast and a sexy accent you've got James.

[@Ninj4ful]

could someone upload an English subtitle for this?

[@nissantaha5818]

منور فنان

[@barbaro267]

I remember when Viggo Mortenson did take after take of him kicking an orc helmet and screaming in anguish. In one take, he broke several toes and his agony was actually real....and that used that take in LOTR: Two Towers!

[@samanthasims2869]

James should be on gmm

[@dalusgembalus]

why do people keep saying he's underrated?? 0_0 HE IS NOT

[@MrsJoannaG]

😮

[@iwd1856]

Please add subtitles.

[@tealeafuk]

most Americans will know him from x men, being British every time I see him, I think hay its that guy from early doors and British sitcom from around 2004.

[@ErnestChui]

Still see Professor X instead of Kevin.

[@nbrown088]

Ernest Chui™ I'll still consider him Mr Tumnus from Narnia

[@ariellelipschitz54]

Trooper

[@princessbeexxxx]

I haven't had any trouble understanding him. Yeah his accent is strong, but its pretty clear for me.

[@lunar..eclipse]

He's cute as hell and fucking great in split ^-^

[@therealyaa8404]

can he smack me

[@itshelpa]

dem Scotsmen

[@THEJIGGADREWSHOW]

I love the way he puts on a fake Irish accent... Spot on.. This guy has talent..

[@matokidoki]

THEJIGGADREWSHOW haha he's from Scotland so it's not fake at all! but nonetheless still talented!

[@THEJIGGADREWSHOW]

+emsxay... Are there no Irish people in Scotland? lol

[@matokidoki]

THEJIGGADREWSHOW not sure! I've never been..sadly. Did I read your comment wrong? I'm assuming you thought his accent was fake altogether..sorry!

[@NinjaMoonCheese]

that's a scottish accent... because he's scottish

[@position6]

why would he fake his accent hahaha

[@fatscarce3967]

Same rules apply

[@bertagriese8282]

Can someone translate?

[@yousaid4026]

Sure. "Aure tirned joosfe, nontu. Guoutsda, awihgg butthyr ionndh. Hav aeo wiyrect aiouffhe wenpo, sittn oyuic er fip shdv jasee lnbyuy! Siu d sgdsfbn piosa titgbby scssn k shn wrei. Ljokl veof flnv mjbgsw rtvn fhfsyhk."

[@KeilKilolass]

Berta Griese I’m James Mcavoy and I’m telling you a story about something that happened on the film split. We were filming…I got this scene in the film where I’ve gotta play 8 characters in 4 minutes and I sort of built it up in my head that it was gonna be the most difficult thing I’ve ever done in my career and I better prepare hard for it, but the whole time that I’m preparing for it I’m like, it’s gonna be really hard, it’s gonna be really difficult. So of course, because I kept telling myself it was gonna be really difficult, it was really difficult…my own fault. So, I’m doing the scene and it’s just not that good, I’m not getting it right and it’s not terrible but it’s not what I know it could be and I’m getting really, really frustrated with myself. So I’m trying to amp myself up and instead of just relaxing, which is always the best way to go, I like smacked this door, this metal door and I’m like ggrrr yeaahh oomfmfff uugghhh, yeah I’m getting jeetered up here and then I do a take and it’s terrible again and then I got really annoyed with myself and I’m getting so annoyed, so I smacked the door again and like I’m really jeetered up now and I do the take and it’s just not good again and I’m so annoyed with myself that I smack the door again, I smack it as hard as I’ve ever smacked anything and I break my hand and I break this knuckle and I break the bone that connects the bit between those two knuckles. And I’m in the middle of the scene and this point and so I’m like chcchhmmmm and I kinda go white and I’ve seen the take actually of me doing this, it’s not the take we used in the film unfortunately, coz that would’ve been cool, but I’ve seen the take and I kinda go white and I can see myself going……yeah, yeah I’ve broken my hand, broken my hand, and then I carried on with the scene, which I was really proud of myself about doing. But ultimately, we ended up using different take, which was really quite rubbish. I didn’t tell anyone and I styled it out and I told everybody that I think I hurt my hand, but I didn’t tell anybody that I’d broken it. So, we finished filming two days later, and I went to the hospital after that, so I just, I worked with it for the next two days and I remember going; I had to fly back to London from Philly, 6 oclock in the evening and I had a day of before then and I went to my emergency, what do you call it, medical emergency place. And the guy’s going, how did you do this? And I said, acting…hahahaha. But later on in the film, my character goes through a transformation and at one point I had to transform from a female character that I play into a male character that I play and when I play the male guy, there are, I wear glasses, so I had to put the glasses on and as I put the glasses on, we filmed it two days later, and my hand was all swollen up like a boxing glove. And I remember when we were doing test screens, a couple of people were like oh my God, it’s like he’s transforming into the monster. And I was like yeeaahh I totally meant it, that there’s method in there somewhere. And that’s it, that’s the story.

[@bertagriese8282]

Nicholas Stephens lol 😂 I can't believe you transcribed word for word - thx dude

[@heebiejeebiez]

Nicholas Stephens me when i don't wanna do homework

[@saracjh]

oh Nicholas thank you very much !!! you have no idea jaja

[@estersmejova]

He broke his hand and didn't tell anyone? I mean, is he 12 or something? He is a brilliant actor btw

[@karabellaellaellaella]

I need James and Claire Foy to make babies 😍

[@reeseorta3052]

Why was the audio so shitty on this vid like I couldn't hear him couldn't u guys have turned down the background music and ran the audio through a noise reducer to get rid of the awful background noises? Like u guys do filming on a tv show

[@briterry4961]

Sounds like he has a touch of anger issues..

[@justinaalvarezflynn1261]

Early squaddd ❤️😘

[@786kumayl786]

.