Séamus McLean Ross, known for his role in Outlander: Blood of My Blood, takes on a lead part in California Schemin’, James McAvoy’s upcoming directorial debut. The film, set for release in UK and Irish cinemas on April 10, 2026, tells the true story of Scottish hip-hop duo Silibil N' Brains pretending to be American to secure a record deal. McAvoy, who also stars in the movie, shared insights on its Scottish roots and themes of ambition.
Film Overview
California Schemin’ is based on Gavin Bain’s 2010 memoir of the same name, later republished as Straight Outta Scotland. The story follows Scottish rappers Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd, who form the duo Silibil N' Brains and fabricate American identities from Los Angeles to deceive record executives in 2003. Their scheme leads to initial success but eventual unraveling, as depicted in a recently released trailer showing their questionable accents and commitment to the ruse.
Casting and Production
Séamus McLean Ross portrays Bain, trading his Outlander character Colum MacKenzie for a beanie-wearing rapper. Samuel Bottomley plays Boyd, with additional cast members including Lucy Halliday, Rebekah Murrell, and James Corden. James McAvoy, known for roles in the X-Men franchise, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Atonement, makes his directing debut while starring in the film. The project adapts the 2013 BBC documentary The Great Hip Hop Hoax by Jeanie Finlay, which premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Director's Vision
McAvoy told The Hollywood Reporter: “I wanted it to be about Scottish people. I wanted it to be about people who come from lower income backgrounds with limited or near horizons. And I wanted to entertain and have fun while doing it, and have the weight of what the real boys’ story gives us as well, which is as much as it’s a really fun adventure and it’s really funny, they both paid a kind of pretty high price.” The trailer features McAvoy hyping the duo as “The next Snoop Dogg, the next Wu-Tang Clan, the next Eminem.”
Reception and Background
Reader reviews of Bain’s book praise its unbelievable true story, with one Amazon user noting: “Nothing better than a true story that is so unbelievable but true.” Another expressed frustration at record executives dismissing the duo due to their Scottish accents. The film highlights themes of deception, ambition, and cultural identity in the music industry.