Based on a true story, California Schemin’ is a biography/drama, and the directorial debut of Scottish actor James McAvoy.

Starring McAvoy, Romany Shaw, and Amber Anderson, the story follows two young men from Scotland who conned the music industry by pretending to be an established Californian rap duo.

Because of the inevitability of such a plan falling apart, and the huge challenge of coming back from the deception, I wonder if the idea was to make as much money as possible, before ‘gladly’ leaving it all behind. I’m thinking the answer is no. In which case, the expectation was likely that they’d get away with it, at least for a while.

Whatever the answer, I look forward to learning about the circumstances that led the young men to their decision. And of course, I’m excited for McAvoy’s directorial debut. He is one of my favourite actors after all.

Is this one going on your watch list for 2026?

James Corden, Jennifer Winn, Samuel Bottomley, Seamus McLean Ross, Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong, Sonny Poon Tip, Lucy Halliday, Rebekah Murrell, John Scougall, David Goren, Chloe Anais Hunt, Tony Bittner-Collins and Chris Dixon also star.

California Schemin Release Dates: April 10th, 2026 (UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G