James McAvoy, widely recognized for his dynamic roles in the psychological thriller genre, is set to captivate audiences once again in the forthcoming film Speak No Evil. In a recent interview, McAvoy disclosed that his portrayal of Paddy in Speak No Evil draws significant inspiration from none other than Andrew Tate, an infamous internet personality known for his polarizing views on masculinity.
James McAvoy Channels Toxic Masculinity in Upcoming Thriller Inspired by Andrew Tate
James McAvoy. Image Credit: Universal Pictures
James McAvoy‘s upcoming film, Speak No Evil, sees him portray a murderous doctor, Paddy, who is eerily reminiscent of a controversial internet figure: Andrew Tate. McAvoy’s portrayal of Paddy is a complex blend of toxic masculinity and a veneer of politeness. Inspired by Tate’s online persona, the actor has crafted a character who exudes a sense of entitlement and superiority. However, unlike Tate’s often abrasive demeanor, McAvoy’s Paddy is more subtle in his cruelty.
In a recent interview with Empire (Via Deadline), McAvoy revealed that he was drawn to Tate’s influence while developing Paddy. McAvoy stated that his character is reminiscent of “a West Country Andrew Tate,” blending the disturbing qualities of Tate’s persona with a more polished, albeit deceptive, exterior.
The character of Paddy, as described by McAvoy, is deeply rooted in toxic masculinity, an ideology that has unfortunately found a stronghold in certain corners of the internet.
While Paddy embodies this toxic bravado, McAvoy emphasized that he portrays the character with a layer of politeness, setting him apart from the crassness typically associated with Tate. McAvoy noted, “He’s like, ‘I’m going to teach you what it’s like to be a man again.’ But there’s a sort of polite face on it that isn’t quite Andrew Tate, enough of a sheen of, ‘I’m not one of those guys’.”
The Character of Paddy Is Deeply Rooted In Toxic Masculinity
James McAvoy and Aisling Franciosi in Speak No Evil. Image Credit: Universal Pictures
The film, based on a Dutch movie of the same name, sees McAvoy’s character, a self-proclaimed doctor, inviting a couple to his home following a vacation encounter. What begins as a seemingly innocuous invitation quickly spirals into a nightmarish ordeal as Paddy and his family unleash psychological and physical torment upon their unsuspecting guests. The horror of the situation is amplified by the underlying influence of Tate’s toxic masculinity, making Paddy a villain who is as unsettling in his demeanor as he is in his actions.
McAvoy’s approach to the character, while inspired by Tate, is intentionally nuanced. The actor pointed out that despite Paddy’s overt displays of masculinity, he carries a subtle softness, akin to Ray Winstone’s character in Sexy Beast. This nuance adds depth to the character, making him more than just a caricature of toxic masculinity.
“You wanted something a bit agricultural,” explained McAvoy. “I had two big visual touchstones. The first was the Australian term ‘bogan’, which can be associated with a certain level of toxic masculinity. And the other was the character Rooster from Jerusalem, played so brilliantly by Mark Rylance.”
McAvoy explained, “Even though he’s all masculine and throwing his dck around, he’s just a bit softer. Almost a Ray Winstone in Sexy Beast vibe: ‘I don’t mind if my belly’s sticking out, because that’s how comfortable a man I f***** am.’”
As audiences anticipate the release of Speak No Evil, McAvoy’s portrayal of Paddy promises to be a chilling exploration of the dark side of masculinity. By infusing the character with traits inspired by a real-life controversial figure, McAvoy challenges viewers to confront the uncomfortable realities of toxic masculinity, all within the confines of a psychological thriller that is sure to leave a lasting impact.
Speak No Evil will hit the cinemas on September 13.
