James McAvoy Stars in New Comic Crime Thriller, Filming Begins
James McAvoy leads a new six-part Sky Original crime thriller adapted from Paul Boyle’s debut novel. James McAvoy Stars in New Comic Crime Thriller, Filming Begins, Filmogaz.com reports.
Plot and characters
The series follows Felix McAveety, a Glasgow man battling full-time addiction. His best friend is found murdered in a city park, and Felix becomes the main police suspect.
Drunk and paranoid, Felix refuses to accept the accusation. He recruits an ageing former detective inspector turned crime novelist and a chaotic friend to help clear his name.
Key cast
- James McAvoy as Felix McAveety
- Josette Simon as the former detective inspector turned novelist
- Jamie Michie as Felix’s chaotic friend
- Christopher Eccleston
- Mark Bonnar
- Shirley Henderson
- Greg Hemphill
- Benedict Wong
- Shauna Macdonald
- Janine Harouni
- Emun Elliott
- Laurie Brett
- Martin Quinn
- Jordan Young
- Lois Chimimba
- Michael Moreland
- Joy McAvoy
- Hanna Stanbridge
- Robin Laing
- Kate Donnelly
- George Robinson
Production details
Jon S. Baird directs the adaptation. He also co-wrote scripts with Paul Boyle and Neil Webster.
Baird previously worked on Filth. Production is in association with Happy Tramp North and Expectation.
Release plans
The six-part series will air next year on Sky. It will stream on NOW across the UK and Ireland.
Tone and source material
The show retains the novel’s dark comic energy and genre-blending style. Critics have compared Boyle’s writing to classic British black comedy mixed with hard-boiled crime sensibilities.
Sky describes the story as an exhilarating and often laugh-out-loud race through Scotland’s murkier edges. The plot escalates quickly as events spiral out of control.
