James McAvoy has revealed that his first day as a professional actor turned into an embarrassing experience when a fellow cast member allegedly encouraged others to mock him on the set of HBO’s Band of Brothers.
Appearing on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen on October 12, the X-Men star recalled being singled out by an established actor while filming the acclaimed 2001 war miniseries.
Why Was James McAvoy Bullied on Band of Brothers?
McAvoy explained that tensions arose because he had secured a substantial role despite joining the production for just one episode.
Several cast members had reportedly spent nine or ten months filming the series while receiving relatively little dialogue.
McAvoy, meanwhile, played Private James W. Miller and had multiple scenes and a complete character arc.
Recalling the incident, he said, “He got him and his buddies to just stand pointing at me and laugh at me for like three minutes.”
Although McAvoy recognised the alleged instigator in a cast photograph shown during the interview, he declined to reveal the person’s identity.
Two Co-Stars Helped McAvoy Through the Experience
Fortunately, not everyone participated in the alleged bullying.
Actors Dexter Fletcher and Robin Laing approached McAvoy and invited him to spend time with them, making the newcomer feel more welcome.
Despite the uncomfortable introduction, McAvoy rated his overall experience on Band of Brothers nine out of ten. However, he gave that particular day just two out of ten.
Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, the Emmy-winning miniseries became a landmark television production.
McAvoy subsequently established himself through The Chronicles of Narnia, Atonement, Split and the X-Men franchise.
His experience offers an interesting reminder that even an actor who later becomes a Hollywood star can face an intimidating introduction to the industry.
