News

Imagine this: a world where the dark arts aren’t just a tale told by wizards in cloaks. Where the infamous dark lord, Lord Voldemort, isn’t played by Ralph Fiennes, but by someone whose cheekbones could cut glass and whose acting chops could shatter them. That someone is none other than James McAvoy.

James McAvoy in His Dark Materials (2019) | Credit: HBO

And then the world of Harry Potter could’ve looked very different. McAvoy, with his impeccable ability to play characters with a lot of shades of gray (both literally and figuratively), once had the chance to don the robes of one of the most infamous villains in literary history. But he turned it down. Yes, the man who’s fought mutants, navigated a fractured mind, and faced ancient gods, said ‘no’ to step into the shoes of the most infamous dark wizard ever.

But why would he turn down such an opportunity?...

Our favorite Harry Potter actor, Daniel Radcliffe, happens to be a major geek, but not in a way to compete with his Victor Frankenstein (2015) co-star James McAvoy. Awaiting his panel for the horror thriller, the duo appeared in an MTV After Hours from Josh Horowitz, to answer pop culture trivia, wherein McAvoy beat Radcliffe’s a*s at his own game.

Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy in Victor Frankenstein (2015) | image: Tsg Entertainment, 20th Century Fox

Appearing in Josh Horowitz’s team, Daniel Radcliffe was asked to compete with James McAvoy and his four Horsemen of Apocalypse (what a reference to his 2016 Marvel flick X-Men: Apocalypse). During the segment, although Radcliffe was expected to know the most basic questions about Harry Potter, the actor surprisingly lost to McAvoy. It now seems quite obvious why Radcliffe was initially intimidated by the X-Men star while filming their movie.

James McAvoy Beat Daniel Radcliffe...

Irish film producer James Flynn, co-founder of Metropolitan Film Productions and co-producer on the Oscar-nominated The Banshee of Inisherin, had died. He was 57.

Flynn died on Saturday morning due to an unknown illness, his production company told The Irish Times in a statement. He was surrounded by his family, wife Juanita Wilson and children Alex and Anna.

His death comes amid a successful awards season for The Banshees of Inisherin and the film’s Oscar run, with the Martin McDonagh-directed starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson film up for nine honors, including best picture.

Flynn has served in various producing capacities on a number of notable movies and TV series across his nearly 30-year career. Among his more recent films are the Ridley Scott-directed and Ben Affleck and Matt Damon-starring and written The Last Duel, the Disney+ released sequel Disenchanted and Neil Jordan’s mystery-thriller Greta led by Isabelle Huppert.

Four awesome young actresses are reported/rumored to be positioning themselves for a possible role in the next Spiderman movie. The character in contention: The Black Cat.

But before we go any further, is this newsworthy? Definitely. While it maybe just a fictional character, Black Cat is quite interesting and intriguing. She's been related to Spiderman in the past and her descent into the world of crime is worth a good look. Has casting actually started? No confirmation yet from the studio, but with the names of the actresses being mentioned, fans are, indeed, getting excited.

Two of these fab actresses are known for both period and contemporary films - Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married/Becoming Jane) and Romola Garai ( Inside I'm Dancing/Atonement), while the other two - Julia Stiles and Rachel McAdams are more 'inclined' to portray modern characters, or so it seems... As of this writing, McAdams is already out of contention.

Four awesome young actresses are reported/rumored to be positioning themselves for a possible role in the next Spiderman movie. The character in contention: The Black Cat.

But before we go any further, is this newsworthy? Definitely. While it maybe just a fictional character, Black Cat is quite interesting and intriguing. She's been related to Spiderman in the past and her descent into the world of crime is worth a good look. Has casting actually started? No confirmation yet from the studio, but with the names of the actresses being mentioned, fans are, indeed, getting excited.

Two of these fab actresses are known for both period and contemporary films - Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married/Becoming Jane) and Romola Garai ( Inside I'm Dancing/Atonement), while the other two - Julia Stiles and Rachel McAdams are more 'inclined' to portray modern characters, or so it seems... As of this writing, McAdams is already out of contention.

Four awesome young actresses are reported/rumored to be positioning themselves for a possible role in the next Spiderman movie. The character in contention: The Black Cat.

But before we go any further, is this newsworthy? Definitely. While it maybe just a fictional character, Black Cat is quite interesting and intriguing. She's been related to Spiderman in the past and her descent into the world of crime is worth a good look. Has casting actually started? No confirmation yet from the studio, but with the names of the actresses being mentioned, fans are, indeed, getting excited.

Two of these fab actresses are known for both period and contemporary films - Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married/Becoming Jane) and Romola Garai ( Inside I'm Dancing/Atonement), while the other two - Julia Stiles and Rachel McAdams are more 'inclined' to portray modern characters, or so it seems... As of this writing, McAdams is already out of contention.

Four awesome young actresses are reported/rumored to be positioning themselves for a possible role in the next Spiderman movie. The character in contention: The Black Cat.

But before we go any further, is this newsworthy? Definitely. While it maybe just a fictional character, Black Cat is quite interesting and intriguing. She's been related to Spiderman in the past and her descent into the world of crime is worth a good look. Has casting actually started? No confirmation yet from the studio, but with the names of the actresses being mentioned, fans are, indeed, getting excited.

Two of these fab actresses are known for both period and contemporary films - Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married/Becoming Jane) and Romola Garai ( Inside I'm Dancing/Atonement), while the other two - Julia Stiles and Rachel McAdams are more 'inclined' to portray modern characters, or so it seems... As of this writing, McAdams is already out of contention.

Four awesome young actresses are reported/rumored to be positioning themselves for a possible role in the next Spiderman movie. The character in contention: The Black Cat.

But before we go any further, is this newsworthy? Definitely. While it maybe just a fictional character, Black Cat is quite interesting and intriguing. She's been related to Spiderman in the past and her descent into the world of crime is worth a good look. Has casting actually started? No confirmation yet from the studio, but with the names of the actresses being mentioned, fans are, indeed, getting excited.

Two of these fab actresses are known for both period and contemporary films - Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married/Becoming Jane) and Romola Garai ( Inside I'm Dancing/Atonement), while the other two - Julia Stiles and Rachel McAdams are more 'inclined' to portray modern characters, or so it seems... As of this writing, McAdams is already out of contention.

Four awesome young actresses are reported/rumored to be positioning themselves for a possible role in the next Spiderman movie. The character in contention: The Black Cat.

But before we go any further, is this newsworthy? Definitely. While it maybe just a fictional character, Black Cat is quite interesting and intriguing. She's been related to Spiderman in the past and her descent into the world of crime is worth a good look. Has casting actually started? No confirmation yet from the studio, but with the names of the actresses being mentioned, fans are, indeed, getting excited.

Two of these fab actresses are known for both period and contemporary films - Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married/Becoming Jane) and Romola Garai ( Inside I'm Dancing/Atonement), while the other two - Julia Stiles and Rachel McAdams are more 'inclined' to portray modern characters, or so it seems... As of this writing, McAdams is already out of contention.

James McAvoy was quite exceptional in The Last King of Scotland and it was his character who actually provided the perspective for the story and the movie itself. However, no Oscar nomination - not even for Best Supporting Actor. As Robbie Turner in Atonement, McAvoy "shows a sheer emotional range that's completely new to his career." says Derek Elley @Variety, "And McAvoy is a dynamo, nailing every nuance in a complex role." adds Peter Travers @Rolling Stone, and yet, still no Oscar - not even a nomination.

- - -

- - - Even before McAvoy appeared in these movies, he was already an exceptional actor -  Inside I'm Dancing, Starter for Ten, Bright Young Things. He was also the recipient of the first Orange Rising Star award, an addition to the established awards at the BAFTA.

Fast forward to the 2010 Oscar race, when Sony Pictures Classics announced it has...

James McAvoy was quite exceptional in The Last King of Scotland and it was his character who actually provided the perspective for the story and the movie itself. However, no Oscar nomination - not even for Best Supporting Actor. As Robbie Turner in Atonement, McAvoy "shows a sheer emotional range that's completely new to his career." says Derek Elley @Variety, "And McAvoy is a dynamo, nailing every nuance in a complex role." adds Peter Travers @Rolling Stone, and yet, still no Oscar - not even a nomination.

- - -

- - - Even before McAvoy appeared in these movies, he was already an accomplished actor -  Inside I'm Dancing, Starter for Ten, Bright Young Things. He was also the recipient of the first Orange Rising Star award, an addition to the established awards at the BAFTA.

Fast forward to the 2010 Oscar race, when Sony Pictures Classics announced it has...

James McAvoy was quite exceptional in The Last King of Scotland and it was his character who actually provided the perspective for the story and the movie itself. However, no Oscar nomination - not even for Best Supporting Actor. As Robbie Turner in Atonement, McAvoy "shows a sheer emotional range that's completely new to his career." says Derek Elley @Variety, "And McAvoy is a dynamo, nailing every nuance in a complex role." adds Peter Travers @Rolling Stone, and yet, still no Oscar - not even a nomination.

- - -

- - - Even before McAvoy appeared in these movies, he was already an accomplished actor -  Inside I'm Dancing, Starter for Ten, Bright Young Things. He was also the recipient of the first Orange Rising Star award, an addition to the established awards at the BAFTA.

Fast forward to the 2010 Oscar race, when Sony Pictures Classics announced it has...

James McAvoy was quite exceptional in The Last King of Scotland and it was his character who actually provided the perspective for the story and the movie itself. However, no Oscar nomination - not even for Best Supporting Actor. As Robbie Turner in Atonement, McAvoy "shows a sheer emotional range that's completely new to his career." says Derek Elley @Variety, "And McAvoy is a dynamo, nailing every nuance in a complex role." adds Peter Travers @Rolling Stone, and yet, still no Oscar - not even a nomination.

- - -

- - - Even before McAvoy appeared in these movies, he was already an accomplished actor -  Inside I'm Dancing, Starter for Ten, Bright Young Things. He was also the recipient of the first Orange Rising Star award, an addition to the established awards at the BAFTA.

Fast forward to the 2010 Oscar race, when Sony Pictures Classics announced it has...

James McAvoy was quite exceptional in The Last King of Scotland and it was his character who actually provided the perspective for the story and the movie itself. However, no Oscar nomination - not even for Best Supporting Actor. As Robbie Turner in Atonement, McAvoy "shows a sheer emotional range that's completely new to his career." says Derek Elley @Variety, "And McAvoy is a dynamo, nailing every nuance in a complex role." adds Peter Travers @Rolling Stone, and yet, still no Oscar - not even a nomination.

- - -

- - - Even before McAvoy appeared in these movies, he was already an accomplished actor -  Inside I'm Dancing, Starter for Ten, Bright Young Things. He was also the recipient of the first Orange Rising Star award, an addition to the established awards at the BAFTA.

Fast forward to the 2010 Oscar race, when Sony Pictures Classics announced it has...

This is probably the most difficult Top 10 rankings I ever did - more difficult than the updated Top 10 for the actors. I have to find a balance wherein I give proper credit to certain actresses who have already established themselves and are already well-known by fans and ordinary moviegoers vis-a-vis those who have yet to boast of a growing list of followers, but has shown such unforgettable and powerful acting in some very impressive recently released films. At the end of the day, what really matters is that - at this moment - it was her name and her performances that moviegoers and critics alike are talking and raving about. - - -

# 10 - Isild Le Besco: France’s multi-award winning and multi-talented actress Isild le Besco is hot on the heels of Romola Garai in our Top 50 hottest young actresses at #10. Says film critic Marcy Dermansky:

- -...

This is probably the most difficult Top 10 rankings I ever did - more difficult than the updated Top 10 for the actors. I have to find a balance wherein I give proper credit to certain actresses who have already established themselves and are already well-known by fans and ordinary moviegoers vis-a-vis those who have yet to boast of a growing list of followers, but has shown such unforgettable and powerful acting in some very impressive recently released films. At the end of the day, what really matters is that - at this moment - it was her name and her performances that moviegoers and critics alike are talking and raving about. - - -

# 10 - Isild Le Besco: France’s multi-award winning and multi-talented actress Isild le Besco is hot on the heels of Romola Garai in our Top 50 hottest young actresses at #10. Says film critic Marcy Dermansky:

- -...

This is probably the most difficult Top 10 rankings I ever did - more difficult than the updated Top 10 for the actors. I have to find a balance wherein I give proper credit to certain actresses who have already established themselves and are already well-known by fans and ordinary moviegoers vis-a-vis those who have yet to boast of a growing list of followers, but has shown such unforgettable and powerful acting in some very impressive recently released films. At the end of the day, what really matters is that - at this moment - it was her name and her performances that moviegoers and critics alike are talking and raving about. - - -

# 10 - Isild Le Besco: France’s multi-award winning and multi-talented actress Isild le Besco is hot on the heels of Romola Garai in our Top 50 hottest young actresses at #10. Says film critic Marcy Dermansky:

- -...

Thaddeus O'Sullivan (Ordinary Decent Criminal, December Bride) is being lined up to direct a new Irish feature 'Stella Days', a drama based on the events surrounding the establishment of a cinema in a small Irish town. Us Actor Martin Sheen (The West Wing) is attached to star. Sheen will play an the parish priest Daniel Barry, whose love for the cinema leads him to on a path to help set up local a cinema in the town but comes against the opposition of doubtful local parishioners questioning his faith and from the Bishop who is more interested in raising funds for a new church. Screen International reports Irish actor Stephen Rea (The Butcher Boy) and Brit actress Romola Garai (Atonement, Inside I'm Dancing) are also attached to the film.

By Matt Singer and Alison Willmore

In "Quid Pro Quo," opening this week, Nick Stahl plays a wheelchair-bound reporter who begins a journalistic investigation into a group of handicap wannabes who long for disabilities of their own. Intriguing look into an unexplored subculture, or recycling of film stereotypes about the disabled? It got us thinking, and so this week on the IFC News podcast we examine how people with physical disabilities have been portrayed in movies, from "Freaks" to "My Left Foot" to "Rory O'Shea Was Here," and discuss whether actors playing disabled characters is the new blackface.

Download now (MP3: 30:26 minutes, 27.8 Mb) Podcast feeds: [Xml] [iTunes]

[Photo: "Quid Pro Quo," Magnolia Pictures, 2008]...

Damien O'Donnell's Inside I'm Dancing and Pawel Pawlikowski's My Summer of Love were the big winners Sunday at the 58th Edinburgh International Film Festival. Co-financed by WT2, the low-budget film division of Working Title and the Irish Film Board, Inside I'm Dancing won the Standard Life Audience Award, beating out such entries as The Motorcycle Diaries, Hero and Dear Frankie. Previous winners of this award include such boxoffice hits as The Full Monty, Billy Elliot, Rabbit-Proof Fence and Amelie.