James McAvoy assaulted by drunk fan in Toronto

James McAvoy faced an unexpected incident in Toronto this week when he was attacked by a stranger while out at a local bar.

The 46-year-old actor, who was in the city for the premiere of his directorial debut California Schemin’ at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, was at Charlotte’s Room on Monday, September 8, when the situation unfolded. 

Around 11:55 p.m., a man who had been drinking heavily struck McAvoy from behind as the X-Men star sat with producers of his film.

“James was having a casual get-together with the producers of his movie and, as he later learned when speaking with the staff, there was a man who drank too much who was getting escorted out,” a source told PEOPLE. 

“James’ back was to him and the man just punched him.”

Witnesses say McAvoy tried to defuse the situation rather than escalate it, while others quickly stepped in to remove the man. 

Despite the surprise attack, the actor chose to stay at the bar, even laughing about the bizarre turn of events with fellow patrons and staff.

McAvoy, who attended the world premiere of California Schemin’ with his wife Lisa Liberati on September 6, has been open about the excitement and challenges of stepping behind the camera. 

Speaking to PEOPLE during TIFF on Sunday, September 7, he admitted directing for the first time was both “stressful” and “amazing.”

“I’ve loved telling stories as an actor for 30 years,” he said. “It’s an extension of that. I now love telling stories as a director because I get more tools with which to tell those stories. It was a privilege.”

California Schemin’ is inspired by the true story of two Scottish men who impersonate Americans to chase hip-hop stardom, starring Séamus McLean Ross, Samuel Bottomley, Lucy Halliday and Rebekah Murrell.

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