That's the main thing that attracts me - characters who have big journeys. I like playing those people.

Nonetheless the actor considers himself to have had a good upbringing. When McAvoy screen-tested for the role he was initially rejected because the studio was seeking an actor with conventional Hollywood leading-man looks and physique. Also starring co-producer Reese Witherspoon it generated polarised reviews.

That film was followed with The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) a commercial hit. Besides screen acting McAvoy has appeared on stage with Three Days of Rain in 2009 and in 2011 he did voice work for animated films including Gnomeo & Juliet and Arthur Christmas. Starting in 2003 McAvoy began to build his film resume with Bollywood Queen.